Azurite, Malachite on Matrix (pseudomorph)
Milpillas Mine
Sonora, Mexico
7.52 cm x 5.80 cm x 4.50 cm, 175 grams
Here is a really nice specimen of Azurite and Malachite from this well known locale.
This specimen has a lot going on.
It has sharp, well formed crystals of Azurite, many if not most, have been coated or replaced with Malachite.
These crystals appear to have formed on base of copper.
There is what appears to be a rhyolite type material that has copper in it, that the crystals grew in and through to form this amazing specimen.
With some careful work of someone with experience in mineral prep, most of the rhyolite could be removed to better expose the crystals,
However I always prefer a more natural looking specimen, I think it give the piece more color contrast.
On one side of the specimen, you can see fibrous malachite that flows up to, and alters the azurite crystals.
A very interesting and beautiful specimen.
