Malachite ps. after Azurite on Mottramite - image 1

Malachite ps. after Azurite on Mottramite

$1,800.00

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The ArkenstoneFeatured

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Tsumeb, perhaps the greatest of all localities, is known for, among other things, its malachite pseudomorphs after azurite. One of the most famous species of the mine since the late 1800s were these velvety large malachite crystals (themselves a replacement of previous azurite). However, seldom do we get such sharp crystals, where the faithful preservation of the azurite shape is highlighted by chatoyant crystal face surfaces as in this piece. The main crystal is 3.5 cm across and its seven smaller companions vary between 2 and 3 cm in size — they all have an alluring, shimmering luster with a distinct chatoyance on their surfaces. All of the pseudomorphs are complete, at least from the outside. The overall aesthetics of this cluster is excellent as the crystals are well isolated on the piece. It would date to the first oxidation zone, circa 1900 or the early 1900s. You can tell by the unusual matrix, which is also colored a pistachio green color (presumably by mottramite). Dr. Erika Pohl-Ströher #89228