Azurite on Chrysocolla-Coated Malachite - image 1

Azurite on Chrysocolla-Coated Malachite - image 2

Azurite on Chrysocolla-Coated Malachite - image 3

Azurite on Chrysocolla-Coated Malachite

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The surface of this dramatic, large matrix specimen is covered with lustrous, translucent, royal blue, crystals of azurite, to 1.5 cm across. Adding a measure of beauty is the druse of light green malachite under the azurite. According to Les Presmyk, who as both an Arizona specialist and collector of Morenci material saw much of this find, crystallized azurites of this size and quality are very uncommon from Morenci and "were virtually unknown until this discovery in the Northwest Extension area in spring and summer of 1992. This was the finest crystallized azurite pocket to be collected in this area and specimens larger than 8 by 8 cm were unusual. This is particularly fine because of the large, lustrous crystals framed by the chrysocolla-dusted malachite matrix." This is therefore by any standard a large and significant cabinet specimen for the historic locality itself, rare, in such large and pristine specimens. Comes on custom lucite base for display.