Azurite Crystals with Botryoidal Malachite, Tsumeb Mine, Otavi Highlands, Namibia
A richly appointed, sparkling pocket of well-formed, translucent deep indigo blue azurite crystals, set within a mass of botryoidal, acicular malachite. The azurite crystals are well preserved and present an interesting array of habits. The outside-facing areas of Malachite show some clipping; however, there are some very nice “wet look” botryoids nestled within the Azurite. Sourced in the 1980s from the noteworthy South African dealer and collector Clive Quiet, who would meet the miners at the mine exit during shift change to acquire the choicest and most unusual pieces. This specimen has remained uncirculated in a private collection since acquisition.
