azurite

TSNB703
Specimen
Von Karabacek, H.
Exhibit 1. Azurite; 100 mm.
Exhibit 1. Azurite; 100 mm.
Image Credit: Malcolm Southwood
Exhibit 2. Azurite; 100 mm.
Exhibit 2. Azurite; 100 mm.
Image Credit: Malcolm Southwood
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Specimen Title

azurite

Associated Minerals

arsentsumebite (?); gartrellite (?); malachite

Principal Mineral

Azurite

Size

Cabinet; 100mm

Location in the Mine

First oxidation zone

Provenance

Von Karabacek, H.

Collection

MGMH; 93545

Entry Number

Specimen; TSNB703

Description

Striated, blade-shaped crystals of azurite (to 60 mm) on a matrix of Cu/Pb arsenates. Most of the crystals are pristine and highly lustrous, but the largest crystal has a slightly flatter lustre due to incipient alteration to malachite.

The matrix is earthy and cryptocrystalline. It has not been analysed but the colours, habits and associations suggest arsentsumebite (?) and gartrellite (?) as likely components.


The specimen was number 1817 in the collection of Austrian industrialist Hans von Karabacek, part of which was purchased by Harvard University in 1935, thereby dating it unequivocally to the first oxidation zone.