Copper pseudomorph after Azurite (''rose'') (rare)

Copper Rose Mine, San Lorenzo, Georgetown District, Grant Co., New Mexico, USA
Toenail, 2.9 x 2.6 x 1.3 cm
Start Time: 05/25/2023 7:30:00 pm (CDT)
End Time: 06/01/2023 6:45:00 pm (CDT)
Auction Closed
Winning Bid: $371

Item Description

I have a genuine love/appreciation for these specimens for the simple but unique fact that this might be the only locality where a native element replaces a secondary carbonate derived originally from the same element (Copper to Azurite back to Copper). These beautiful and well-known Copper "roses" are instantly recognizable for their wonderful form and sheer visceral elegance. The first two things that you'll notice about this specimen are the wonderful patina and the fact that there is actually a secondary alteration oxidation of Copper into forest-green Malachite on certain faces helps bring all of the individual blades of this specimen into focus. The bladed crystals that once were Azurite are very discernible, and the piece is a complete "floater" with no damage or point of attachment. Many of these gorgeous pseudomorphs date back well over a century when they were collected by George English and A.E. Foote in the 1890's and were sold to Eastern collectors and museums along with European collectors. These pieces are to my knowledge unique in their aspect, form, and size compared to other any other Azurite pseudomorphs. This is a good sized piece for the locality, and fine quality in terms of form and sharpness. One rarely sees the marvelous specimens on the market these days, and if you're a fan of secondary ore minerals, native metals or attractive pseudomorphs, don't pass up the chance to get a good example of this famous material for your collection. Priced in the inventory at $950.

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Bidding History

Bid Amount Bid Time
$371 06/01/2023 6:36:58 pm (CDT)
$361 06/01/2023 6:36:58 pm (CDT)
$331 06/01/2023 6:14:09 pm (CDT)
$321 06/01/2023 6:14:09 pm (CDT)
$261 06/01/2023 6:13:16 pm (CDT)
$251 06/01/2023 6:13:16 pm (CDT)
$165 06/01/2023 3:56:41 pm (CDT)
$155 06/01/2023 3:56:41 pm (CDT)
$126 06/01/2023 2:19:42 pm (CDT)
$116 06/01/2023 3:58:53 am (CDT)
$106 05/30/2023 8:33:12 pm (CDT)
$102 05/30/2023 8:33:12 pm (CDT)
$96 05/29/2023 3:07:43 pm (CDT)
$86 05/29/2023 3:07:43 pm (CDT)
$76 05/26/2023 2:07:25 pm (CDT)
$66 05/26/2023 2:07:25 pm (CDT)
$46 05/26/2023 10:45:54 am (CDT)
$41 05/26/2023 10:45:53 am (CDT)
$10 05/26/2023 12:20:35 am (CDT)