Azurite partially altering to Malachite

Item Description

A very rich, colorful, velvety specimen of the deep blue azurite that, briefly, came out of Brazil in a large find of the mid-1990s, followed by some smaller and lesser finds years later. Now, this is a primarily azurite specimen - whereas most were MALACHITES! A primary azurite like this is 1 in 100, as most had nearly all changed (pseudomorphed) into the related copper species malachite. Interestingly, scientists now think that this alteration occurs at the time of formation, rather than by some later, gradual process. The point here, is that this piece is really blue while others are green, and the blue is simply more attractive because it is intense and shiny, and sparkling. The malachite alteration gives a matte luster, and a darker saturation. However, having mostly azurite with just a bit of malachite accent, really works on this specimen! All in all, this is a rich, large, showy, beautiful example of one of the most rare finds of large azurite specimens, from a country with very little copper mineral production. It is a classic old find. Valued $2500-plus.