Azurite (classic locality)

Item Description

Touissit is one of the premier world localities for Azurite, but you don't often see many full-sized cabinet display specimens like this. Going back to the 1970s-1980s we started seeing these impressive pieces hit the market, and they are certainly not nearly as easy to find today as a few decades ago. This piece is an impressive example featuring many excellent, sharp, lustrous, rich blue colored bladed crystals measuring up to 2.5 cm long, sitting on oxidized matrix, which are intergrown to form a well-balanced and desirable exhibit specimen. The vast majority of the crystals are in superb condition, but the piece is forgivably contacted around the edges where it was separated from the pocket wall. Some of the best crystals can be seen on the side of the specimen, as they have a intense indigo hue, and even show a bit of translucency when backlit. These are true classics, and if you're a fan of Azurites, copper minerals or secondary ore species, this is a great opportunity to pick up something that is rarely available (particularly in this size and quality) for a great price. For reference, the former dealer label valued this piece at $3,500, and I can honestly say that I would put it in the $4,500-$5,000 range in today's market for the size, aesthetics and quality.