Lazulite - historic specimen, classic USA (Ref: 15.1-707)

A historic specimen of Lazulite crystals well-exposed on a small matrix. The second photo includes the original label from Charles U. Sheppard Jr which indicates this was from a brief period of mining at this site specifically for mineral specimens. Sheppard's father was one of the great early USA mineralogists, he studied this deposit and published in 1856. His son (Jr.) later was a part owner and mined this locality for the international specimen trade and exchange with institutions. Sheppard Jr died in 1915, though the specimen is likely over 150 years old. This Lazulite thumbnail has several crude crystals on it the largest and best is 1.6 CM tall and covers much of the front or display side. This locality produced a very few exceptional world class Lazulite; this one is not that exceptional but is certainly above average and has the rare original label that dates back to one of the first specimen mining operations in the USA. An affordable and nice classic.