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Malachite ps. Azurite (early 1900s)
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A stunning example of the famous Tsumeb "velvety" malachites, where malachite has completely replaced the previous generation of azurite. However, we seldom see such truly sharp and perfect preservation of multiple crystals in such a nice flowery cluster, as here. Most such specimens of this quality are known to date to before 1960, and many to the early 1900s. It now is thought by some scientists, that this particular replacement event happens in the original pocket just after the time of formation, very quickly, as fluids change. Few examples are as perfectly symmetrical and preserved as this three-dimensional, balanced, small cabinet sized specimen. It is pristine and complete all around. All the crystals show the classic, chatoyant texture of shimmering surfaces, which looks velvety in the light. Illustrated as a full page photo in Mineralogical Record issue on Pseudomorphs (January, 2025). From the well-known Tsumeb-specific thumbnail collection of Dick and Mary Nelson, built mostly from 1980-2010; and yes, this is obviously not a thumbnail. But, it was so good, they bought it anyways and kept it as a centerpiece of size amongst their otherwise uniformly-sized smaller specimens for decades, until we purchased this collection. Laszlo Kupi photos.
Product details
Species
SizeSmall Cabinet
Dimensions6.8 x 6.4 x 4.7 cm
Locality
SKUNTN25-15
Listed on04/24/2026
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