Azurite (Ref: 6054)

The Schmitt Dolomite quarry at the outskirts of the town of Altenmittlau east of Hanau has been known at least since 1861, when German geologist H. Bücking first described the deposit. During its active mining period until its closure in 1999, it produced probably the best German Azurite specimens. However, aesthetic specimens like this miniature were extremely rare and therefore sought after. Just like this deep dark blue spherical cluster with a diameter of 1.8 cm, which sits very exposed on a matrix of lustrous, saddle-shaped, brownish Dolomite rhombohedrons. The minimal contacts on the periphery are of natural origin and do not distract from the overall aesthetics in any way. A top German Azurite, of a kind that is rarely seen anymore on the market unless in old collections.