Azurite with Smithsonite (classic material)

Item Description

Azurite and Smithsonite are both fairly common secondary ore minerals, found all over the world, but rarely together on the same specimen. While both species have been found in exemplary specimens from Tsumeb, they are also rarely seen together from this prolific mine. With that said, I think Tsumeb is probably the premier locality (limited as they are) to find Azurite with Smithsonite, and this piece is a great example of this old classic material featuring a prominent, sharp, very lustrous, rich midnight blue colored "sword"-shaped crystal of Azurite measuring 4.3 cm, with a few more smaller terminated crystals and partial crystals, sitting in an elongated vug lined with silvery-white Smithsonite crystals and velvety green Malachite in select spots. Crystals of Azurite this size are fairly rare from Tsumeb, especially associated with Smithsonite, and to find a showy cabinet display specimen like this is even more impressive. A truly fine example of what are among the best examples of Azurite ever found. Valued $5,000-$6,000.
From the collection of longtime mineral collector Dr. Bob Lauf (Collection #2510), the author of the Mineral Collectors Guide books (Schiffer Publishing), widely seen at mineral shows and libraries. Robert Lauf grew up in Chicago and attended the University of Illinois, ultimately receiving a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering. His scientific career included over twenty years at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he conducted research on topics ranging from nuclear fuel, coal by-products, materials synthesis, microwave processing, sensors, optical materials, and biomineralization. He has been granted over forty U.S. Patents for his inventions, many of which have become successful industrial products. He is now a Registered Patent Agent and technology consultant.