Azurite and Malachite on Quartz - image 1

Azurite and Malachite on Quartz - image 2

Azurite and Malachite on Quartz - image 4

Azurite and Malachite on Quartz

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Fascinating material showing an intriguing combination of multiple generations of mineral formation on this highly textural Quartz cluster from Morocco. The Quartz has been almost entirely coated by a colorful mixture of black, reddish-brown and some yellow-brown iron oxide crust, possibly Goethite with Hematite and some Limonite. However, the eye-catching component of this piece is the beautiful late-stage formation of brilliant, deep blue Azurite spheres with some green Malachite. Magnification shows the millimeter sized Azurites are finely stacked blades with some forming wonderful tiny bladed “rosettes”. Even with multiple mineral coatings on the jackstraw grouping of Quartz crystals, they remain well defined with the largest, 2 cm wide, center crystal extending over 6 cm above the base and numerous smaller crystals jutting out in every direction resulting in an appealing geometric radial spray. The prismatic Quartz crystals are complete with well-formed terminations and are in near pristine condition. The form of the vertical Azurites extending up from the base reminds one of stalactites, yet still visually new and different. Such a great style! That rich blue Azurite uniquely displayed on the Quartz crystals and contrasting with the earthy tones of the iron oxides makes for a dramatic display that is simply mesmerizing! Ex. Jack Halpern, Ex. William (Bill) Larson Quartz Collection. This collection was built since the 1980s and on exhibit for decades in his jewelry and mineral store in Fallbrook, California.