Azurite with Malachite

Item Description

The famous Milpillas Mine has been the source of some of the finest crystallized Azurite specimens ever found. No specimens of note have come out in a few years, as the oxidized zone is mined through, and it's nearly certain that no more significant specimens will be found again. This miniature specimen features a 2.6 cm tall group of excellent quality, highly lustrous, sharp, deep midnight blue colored, blocky crystals of Azurite associated with chatoyant emerald green Malachite, aesthetically flaring off matrix. The balance, aesthetics, superior quality and overall visual appeal of the piece make it a really impressive example of these already top-notch Azurites. There are a few nicks on some of the Azurite crystal, so the piece is not 100% pristine, hence the auction listing, but it's still an incredibly eye-catching display specimen and would make a fine addition to any collection of Azurites, secondary ore minerals or Mexican minerals. It's hard to convey the photos, but the blue color in these crystals is as vibrant as anything you'll see in any other Azurite from any world locality, which is due to the fact that they are not just solid Azurite, but actually have a sublayer of Malachite underneath that is actually sitting atop a previous generation of Azurite, which makes for a Malachite "sandwich" if that makes sense. This layering allows for more light to be reflected back off the surface the Azurites and creates that stunning color. These specimens are now hard to find on the market, and are certainly increasing in value, as I'm sure some of you noticed in recent years.