Liroconite and Azurite (ex. Count de Bournon pre-1825) - image 1

Liroconite and Azurite (ex. Count de Bournon pre-1825) - image 2

Liroconite and Azurite (ex. Count de Bournon pre-1825) - image 3

Liroconite and Azurite (ex. Count de Bournon pre-1825) - image 4

Liroconite and Azurite (ex. Count de Bournon pre-1825) - image 5

Liroconite and Azurite (ex. Count de Bournon pre-1825) - image 6

Liroconite and Azurite (ex. Count de Bournon pre-1825) - image 7

Liroconite and Azurite (ex. Count de Bournon pre-1825)

In itself, any such large liroconite specimen is a valuable and treasured item and has a unique color to add to a collection. These were found in the 1840s, mostly, and remain among the most sought-after Holy Grails in mineral collecting when they turn up to sale from old collections or museums. This display piece has a protected pocket hosting a sparkling druse of liroconite in a shallow vug. Most of the matrix is green colored malachite olivenite along with tiny blebs of neon blue azurite. Note that the oldest label (see below) notes the specimen as a copper arsenate, and dates the piece to before Liroconite was officially named as a species in 1825, the year he passed away. Ex. Sir Arthur Russell collection and British Museum of Natural History. It comes with their label noting provenance through Sir Arthur Russell and the Williams family collection (Cornwall mine owners from the 1600s) and an old label in the personal hand of the Count de Bourbon: Jacques-Louis, Comte de Bournon FRS, FGS (January 21, 1751

Unknown Owner

Product details

Species

Azurite, Liroconite

SizeSmall Cabinet

Dimensions6.2 x 4.4 x 3.6 cm

Locality

UK, England, Wheal Gorland

Added on10/23/2024

Comments

Known provenance

2024/08