LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2008 January Signature Natural History #5000  / 

48235

Malachite & Azurite "Rose"

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Rocks, Fossils & Minerals Start Price:1,050.00 USD Estimated At:1,300.00 - 1,500.00 USD
Malachite & Azurite Rose
<B>MALACHITE & AZURITE "ROSE"</B></I><BR> <I>Morenci Mine, Morenci, Greenlee County, Arizona</B></I><BR>The alteration process described in lot# 48230 is hardly instantaneous. The complete transformation from unstable azurite to stable malachite evidently takes thousands of years. If the mining operations happen to get to it before the transformation is finished the result is what is seen here: bladed azurite crystals almost completely replaced by velvety, micro-crystalline malachite. Small, deep-blue remnants of the original azurite outline the edges of crystals now altered to green after their transition to malachite. This example is from the Morenci open-pit copper mine in southeastern Arizona. The individual crystals range in size up to ¾ of an inch and they cover the brecciated host rock matrix in a sub-parallel type of arrangement commonly called a "rose" by miners and collectors. It is in fine condition and measures 2 ½ x 2 ¼ x ¾ inches thick. It is accompanied by a De Natura Minerals label.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Requires 3rd Party Shipping (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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