KRD-20
Malachite ps. Azurite with Quartz caps
Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otjikoto Region, Namibia
Small Cabinet, 6.7 x 5.0 x 3.8 cm
Ex. Kay Robertson
SOLD

Tsumeb is considered the greatest mine ever, and it has produced any number of great specimens (but never enough, considering the quality and demand). And even among all those, I absolutely love the charm and interest that this piece has. This small cab consists of dozens upon dozens of fine blades of Malachite after Azurite, with several pure Azurite blades somehow mingled among them. All are translucent, and they have a sublime glow when backlit nicely with a nearby light source. The longest of these bladed crystals is 1.7 cm, with the average closer to half that. If that wasn't enough, each and every crystal is coated with a glittering layer of drusy quartz (Calcite, according to Kay, though I honestly think it is Quartz), with the sparkling white quartz capping each complete termination. Even with some of the crystals being partial (after all, this is and old-time, historic piece, so acceptable) this is one of the most subtle and aesthetic Tsumeb pieces we have seen. Originally from the Keuser Collection (according to her note, though no more information is given). A stunning piece, that just grows on your the more you look at it up close.