TYROLITE and Azurite on Siderite

This stunning old-time Tyrolite specimen from the Tyrol region in Austria is a true European classic. It is not from the Type Locality, but another in the vicinity, but dates to a very early period. We know this because it is accompanied by a lovely old handwritten German/Austrian label dating to the 19th century. It uses the original 1816 term - Kupferschaum - alongside Tirolit, showing the transition in nomenclature. Small cabinet in size, the display surface is covered in a combination of very glossy dark blue microcrystalline Azurite but with feathery sprays of pearlescent blue-green Tyrolite reaching 6 mm in diameter displaying their classic almost plastic-like lustre. Underneath this the matrix is massive Siderite. It is from Kogl, or Kogel, a hill to the south of Brixlegg in the Tyrol. It is from the superb systematic collection assembled by the brothers Martin and Michael Günther (1951-2007 & 1956-2021).