Natural History
Natural History
Azurite Spheres on White Matrix
No reserve
Lot Closed
December 3, 08:09 PM GMT
Estimate
4,000 - 6,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Azurite Spheres on White Matrix
Malbunka Copper Mine, Northern Territory, Australia
9 by 73/4 by 23/4 inches (22.8 x 19.7 x 7 cm). Largest azurite spheres 2 inches (5 cm). 6 pounds (2.7 kg).
This specimen features numerous intense blue radial kaolinised azurite "suns", contrasted by a natural white rock matrix.
Only occasionally produced by the weathering of copper ore deposits, the carbonite mineral, azurite, has been prized since antiquity for its soft, deep-blue hue. The exceptional specimen offered here is a remarkable example of an inverted cloudscape, with royal blue clouds dotting a milky white sky.