MALACHITE ps. after AZURITE

SPECIMEN DESCRIPTION

This fascinating classic pseudomorph of Malachite after Azurite is from Touissit in the Touissit-Bou Beker District, Morocco, and dates to the late 1990s. Although it doesn't naturally sit upright for display, when supported it looks very fine indeed. The original Azurite crystals display a great monoclinic bladed crystal form and reach an impressive 3 cm in length. Intriguingly, some appear to retain an Azurite core, suggesting that the replacement to Malachite progressed from the outside inwards. The outer coating of Malachite is very silky to velvety and this green contrasts wonderfully with the flashes of residual blue Azurite. A fine, older Moroccan classic with no damage whatsoever. Ex Nick Hawes collection and ex Ronald Linfield collection.