FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[Kristen]

Hi all

I bought an item from Ebay that is supposed to be Azurite with chips of Malachite but I wonder if it is actually reconstituted as the chips almost look as if they have been put there.

Pic is attached.

Thanks

Kristen

[John S. White]

Need a better photo and even then it may not be possible to tell for certain. Some things simply cannot be determined from photos. Where do you live? Perhaps someone on this Forum can provide the name of an expert who lives near you.

[Kristen]

Hi again

Thanks for the reply John. I live in Victor Harbor, South Australia. I think I do know of a guy who goes prospecting, sells minerals, etc but don't know how to get in touch with him. Don't know his name either. I guess I would have to come across him by chance some time.

Regards, Kristen

[Pete Modreski]

Kristen, I'm pretty sure that is a synthetic stone. At the Denver mineral show this Sept. my friend from Germany, Renate Schumacher, brought a display of natural and simulated gem materials from her museum in Bonn, and it included a polished slab of azurite spotted with malachite that looked extremely similar to your piece. I think I may have a photo of that from the exhibit; if so, I'll post it here to show you & let you compare.

[marvsT/Nminerals]

Kristen, There is jewelry for sale on line with material that looks like this that clearly states that it is man made. (I was looking for a ring for my daughter) Marv

[Kristen]

Thank you all for your replies. I am happy with the information I have been given now and am satisfied with what I have learnt. Thanks for all of your help!