A fantastic, old time example of pseudomalachite from the type locale in Germany!!! This specimen likely dates
back over 140 years (this historic locality closed in 1872)!!!
In much the same fashion as "fool's gold" is totally different than gold, pseudomalachite is a completely
different mineral species than malachite and is quite rare by comparison!!! This specimen hosts a rich showing of sharp,
well formed crystals of deep green pseudomalachite in characteristic association with
quartz var. chalcedony!!! The actual crystals of pseudomalachite are coated by a very thin layer of
chalcedony which gives them a unique, silky appearance that is quite interesting!!! The little white
lines or specks seen on the pseudomalachite crystals are actually tiny stringers of chalcedony!!!
Upon close inspection the pseudomalachite crystals have deep green color and show some areas of marked clarity!!! Simply
a fantastic example of this rare species from the historic, type locality!!!
This specimen
is from the A.E. Seaman Mineral Museum and retains an old label with L.L. Hubbard Collection (1849-1933) notation!!! Truly an amazing old time beauty!!!
Courtesy of the Mineralogical Record:
"Lucius L. Hubbard (1849-1933)
Hubbard was a life-long mineral collector, and he also took time off to study mineralogy at the Universities of Heidelberg and Bonn beginning in 1883. After receiving his PhD in Bonn in 1886 he joined the staff of the Michigan Geological Survey and the Michigan College of Mines in 1890. In 1893 he left to become Michigan State Geologist, a post he held until 1899, when he resigned to head geological exploration activities for the Copper Range Company. He discovered the southern extension of the Baltic lode, the last big native copper deposit to be found in the district; it became the Champion mine, where Hubbard later became general manager. He served as a member of the Board of Control of the Michigan College of Mines, and as a Regent of the University of Michigan, from 1910 until his death in Eagle Harbor, Michigan on August 3, 1933.
Despite being partially color-blind, Hubbard built an immense, first-class personal mineral collection, which he
donated to the Michigan College of Mines (today Michigan Technological University)."
The pics hardly do it justice!!! Must be seen in person to be fully appreciated!!!
Good luck and be sure to check out my other exciting mineral auctions on ebay!!! STAY TUNED!!! MORE AUCTIONS WILL BE ADDED MONDAY NIGHT FOR A SPECIAL 3-DAY AUCTION, ENDING THURSDAY NOVEMBER 8th!!!
***PLEASE NOTE: We are located in coastal New Jersey and our area has been decimated by HURRICANE SANDY. While Mandy and I are safe and did not suffer any damage, the local area is in very bad shape. The National Guard is here and there has been an overwhelming influx of help and support from all over. We have been lucky enough to have our power restored but there is a critical lack of resources throughout the area. As a result, we may experience some shipping delays and encounter other logistical issues. We thank you most sincerely for your kind wishes and patience during this time. We will continue to offer specimens from the Nikischer collection, as well as other recent acquisitions, during this time however - so don't miss out!!!
