Azurite on Malachite

Unknown Owner

For two copper carbonate species that are known from many mines worldwide the formation and association seen on this very large miniature specimen screams Morenci in Greenlee Co., Arizona, USA. It is unusual for a mineral, or minerals, to have such a distinctive appearance in relation to one deposit, but if you look through images of Malachite and Azurite combination pieces from Morenci you will come across others with this classic form. This specimen, which we already know is from Morenci mine, features wonderful rounded, globular aggregates of paler green Malachite with a smooth, almost velvety surface appearance scattered upon a brownish-orange gossany matrix. The largest of these is nearly 2 cm in diameter, with others at 1.4 and 1 cm diameter. Directly associated with these Malachite spheres are well-crystallized aggregates of deep blue Azurite, forming rosetted to scaly clusters. Both species are classically crystallized for this locality and undamaged. A lovely iconic Morenci mine Azurite and Malachite combo.