Frank Valenzuela obtained this specimen from a fellow miner at the Inspiration, where he was a miner and then a shaft supervisor in the 1950s-1960s. It was collected, he recalls, in the early 1960s. It is a classic example of the quartz-covered chrysocolla stalactites from that time, but unusual in that it was preserved as a whole pocket. The piece glows when backlit, as the top surface is partially translucent and there is a small hole in back of the vug, to let light into the pocket for backlighting. The largest stalactites are 2 cm. The pocket opening is 2 inches across. Overall, a unique, interesting, and very beautiful piece that I have long lusted to obtain from the collection and bring to market. Joe Budd Photos.

A gorgeous polished nodule of gem grade carving rough of the best color of "gem silica," chrysocolla and quartz mixed together along with malachite (the malachite in the form of needle-like inclusions). This is classic old material for the mine, but seldom do you see such large nodules still around as they have always been, and remain, desirable for lapidary use. The colors here are both particularly intense and contrasting. From the Rice Northwest Museum collection, originally donated by its founders Richard and Helen Rice (cat #207). I believe there is a fair amount of lapidary value to this specimen, and it is a beautiful piece even "as is." Weight is 2 pounds Joe Budd Photos.

Chrysocolla is tyipically opaque or translucent, and rarely does one see gem quality stones of this material. This stone has a strong blue color with a slight green overtone. This stone is translucent around the edges with a "Pear" cut. The vibrant color in Chrysocolla is often caused by Copper, and that is more than likely the case with this stone. I have seen only a handful of Chryosocolla stones from Arizona this size with this color. This would be a superb rare gem to add to any collection.