Malachite ps. Azurite

Item Description

Here is a large and excellent example of this classic pseudomorph from Tsumeb. A robust, long formerly-Azurite crystal has been totally replaced by Malachite. The form of the Azurite crystal is perfectly preserved with sharp edges and faces with a stunning, broad, radial spray of Malachite needle-shapes gorgeously fanned over several faces in a distinct concentric circular pattern, as if artistically brushed on the faces. This is the most famous and rare of Tsumeb malachites, with the full replacement and the amazing patterning! It is a gorgeous look, never found anywhere else in the world, and only rarely at Tsumeb (early, pre-WWII, as the label from Maucher attests). There is a small, 1 cm sidecar Azurite crystal at the base of the large crystal on the right side along with a few slivers of brownish matrix for minor contrast. These two robust crystals first grew as Azurite which were later altered to magnificent bright green Malachite at a later time during its history (its growth in the pocket, called paragenesis). There are numerous 1 to 3 mm, cream colored crystals of Cerussite scattered about the base of the piece for more accent, to amplify the color contrast. There are even several 2 to 3 mm, blue crystals of Azurite associated with the Cerussite. A white, 1 cm, shimmering Cerussite crystal is embedded in the middle of one of the wide prism faces on the back of the big crystal. A very important, and competitive, example of this pseudomorph from Tsumeb. It is not merely representative. This is a significant, perhaps iconic, style and color combination, unique to this mine, and almost impossible to find in such condition for sale. It is certainly iconic to the species, and to the mine. Smaller specimens routinely are valued highly, but this important, robust, three dimensional piece, for its sheer color and impact, needs to be valued $15,000-25,000 low to high.