Azurite on Malachite

Unknown Owner

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Bisbee was once the copper capital of America, and maybe of the world - known more for its ore than for its specimens. The World’s Fair Exposition of 1893 in Chicago changed all that, with attention of collectors being drawn to the specimens produced, and dealers like A.E. Foote traveling west to obtain them. This is a classic example from the glory days of rich, robust, deep blue azurite over a cast matrix. It is aesthetic, balanced, and a good display size. It is over 100 years old, from the 1890s or early 1900s finds, yet meets modern constraints for aesthetics and desirability. This is a habit of azurite that, unlike so many, is not repeated in quantity by modern 2005-2015 (approx.) finds in Mexico. Bisbee-style such as this remains distinct and immediately recognizable in all the world of collecting. For more information about old Bisbee and this Expo, see here: https://worldsfairchicago1893.com/2021/03/20/a-gem-from-the-1893-worlds-fair-is-back-on-display-in-new-york/