DEEP BLUE AZURITE. ...

Description

DEEP BLUE AZURITE
Touissit, Touissit District, Oujda-Angad Province, Oriental Region, Morocco
Mines, like people, have their ups and downs when it comes to producing profits or interesting specimens. In many cases, mines still operating may no longer produce the same kind of specimens that they did in their heyday. This is a concrete example: while modern Moroccan Azurites are justifiably famous, the fine, bladed crystals in this specimen have not been produced for many, many years. It definitely dates from long before the 1970's - when the Howard Belsky collection was started. Spherical crystal aggregates of deep-blue, sub-parallel blades of Azurite cover the velvety green Malachite matrix. These aggregates range in size up to 1½ inches in diameter and they have occasional, contrasting, patches of bright green Malachite alteration. This a very fine and large specimen for the locality; it is from the personal collection of the late Howard Belsky, mineral collector and dealer. This Old Classic displays excellent luster and condition and would be a worthy addition to any collectors cabinet. It measures 7 x 5 x 2 inches thick and has a custom acrylic base.
Provenance: Howard Belsky Collection

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