Azurite

Unknown Owner

A superb sharp lustrous deep blue azurite crystal 4.0 cm in size set up on a white dickite matrix. In super condition. The color contrast between the azurite and the matrix is very nice. A wonderful miniature.The Milpillas Mine, located in Sonora, Mexico, is a modern copper mining operation developed in the early 21st century to exploit a high grade copper deposit hosted in limestone. Operated as an underground mine, it has produced significant quantities of copper from enriched zones formed by supergene processes. In addition to its economic importance, Milpillas quickly became world famous among mineral collectors for its exceptional azurite specimens. The azurite occurs as deep blue, highly lustrous crystals, often forming sharp prismatic shapes and complex clusters of outstanding quality. These crystals developed in open cavities within the oxidized zone, where copper rich solutions allowed for slow and well formed growth. Milpillas azurite is widely regarded as some of the finest ever discovered, making the mine one of the most important modern localities for this mineral.