Malachite with Azurite

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Czar mine, or Czar shaft, was opened in 1885 at Bisbee to replace the earlier Copper Queen incline. Sunk into predominantly copper carbonate ore, large quantities of Malachite and Azurite was raised, but most went straight to the smelter making the few preserved specimens highly collectible today. Added to this, over time, the attrition to specimens, both in terms of those lost and damaged makes finding good ones difficult indeed. However, they do sometimes survive, cherished in collections where they have been cared for and documented. This absolutely magnificent large display specimen is not only a rare survivor, and large, but is oh so sculptural to look at too. It has the finest velvety surface texture for which the very best Czar specimens were famed and yet this velvety soft layer is immaculate. Then, there are the rising protuberances of small stalactites sat within its concave, bowl-like form, all adding considerably to its class. Its relatively thin outer edges are dappled on the back with dark blue Azurite, some of which can be seen peeking around the sides when it is on display. A true American classic and high-end museum in quality.