Azurite

Unknown Owner

An absolutely gorgeous hand sample showing brilliant lustrous blue prismatic crystals of terminated azurite measuring to 3.0 cm in size covering the top of matrix. This is in terrific condition, the quality is outstanding for the species from this locality. Azurite from Touissit, near Oujda in eastern Morocco, comes from the Touissit Bou Beker mining district, a major lead and zinc producing area developed in the 20th century. The deposits are Mississippi Valley type and are hosted in carbonate rocks, yielding galena and sphalerite as primary ores along with abundant secondary minerals in the oxidized zones. Azurite forms there as deep blue crystals and rosettes, often associated with malachite, cerussite, and other lead and copper minerals. Specimens from Touissit are highly regarded by collectors for their rich color, sharp crystal form, and the districts long history of base metal mining.