Velvet Malachite (old classic)

Item Description

This item is part of a special benefit auction for the Rice Museum of Rocks & Minerals (ricenorthwestmuseum.org). Items are either deaccessions from the museum's collection or were donated by generous supporters listed below.

Auction open April 1, 2021 through April 17, 2021.

Billing for this auction will occur on Monday, April 19, for payment using PayPal or credit card. Shipping will be billed at cost, or please contact brandy@mineralauctions.com if you'd like to plan on picking up items at future shows or during a stop through Dallas.

A Bisbee old-time specimen of so-called "velvet" Malachite, whose massed, tiny acicular crystals arranged in radial, small, parallel to divergent digitations cause them to shimmer like velvet on the surfaces. The variegated green colors on the piece vary from dark emerald green to "electric" medium green are largely dependent on the orientation of the piece relative to incident light which adds to the aesthetics. This piece is solid Malachite and looks just as good on the front as it does on the back! This variety of Malachite is much more rare than other forms of Malachite from Bisbee, though specimens of just about any type from this most classic of American localities are now highly sought-after. This stunning, scintillating plate has nice three-dimensionality along with a sculptural look. Classic and excellent Bisbee material. Difficult to photograph, so be sure to see the video! This very old style of malachite from Bisbee has not been on the market in 100 years...and this is an aesthetic example.