Azurite with Malachite, Quartz, Bayldonite, and Calcite

Item Description

High luster, sharp striations, and rich, deep-blue color demonstrate why Azurite is one of Tsumeb's most coveted mineral species and always has been, since the late 1890s. This is a very old style of specimen, which we can say with confidence is from the higher levels in the first oxidation zone of the mine, from finds of the late 1800s to 1930s. Dr. Pohl had acquired it by the late 1960s. This 4.5 cm Azurite is partially pseudomorphed into Malachite, a classic alteration that helps produce some of the electric-blue glow seen here and elsewhere. The associations are more involved yet, as the Azurite is attached to Quartz matrix, and there is even an exceptional, Bayldonite-coated 1.6 cm Quartz crystal that adds greatly to the combination. Also, there are a few fields of small, well-formed rhombs of Calcite on the Malachite and Bayldonite that heighten the interest of this small-cabinet piece even more. The Azurite is naturally contacted along the back, and it is important to remember that Azurite is relatively soft, so it is very common to see features like the two dings along the termination. That being said, the inherent beauty of the Azurite, and the extensive and unusual combinations, create a worthy and attractive aesthetic.