Home > Pseudomorphs – March 10 > MS1763 Chrysocolla after Malachite after Azurite

Chrysocolla after Malachite after Azurite - Sold


This is a double pseudomorph. Once a rather routine pseudomorph of malachite after azurite, this example was later silicified (at least on its surface) to chrysocolla. Chrysocolla is a hydrous copper aluminum silicate, probably amorphous, but nevertheless an officially recognized mineral species. Malachite and azurite are both carbonates of copper; both mineral names names come from their colors. Green malachite takes its name from the Greek malache for mallows, while Beudant (1832) named azurite for its azure color. The pseudomorphs reach 1.0 cm on this specimen and scattered wulfneit to 3 mm are also present. Part of the Charles Trantham (1936-2020) estate. A cutoff vintage label, resembling that of David New, accompanies the specimen.