Description

Malachite after Azurite crystals on matrix from Milpillas Mine, Sonora, Mexico

41ZZ2014

$120

5.3 x 4.8 x 3.8 cm

A sharp cluster of Malachite after Azurite – called a pseudomorph, which is a mineralogical term used to describe when one mineral replaces another atom for atom whilst retaining the original mineral’s crystal structure. Which is to say, this is a Malachite specimen that has fully replaced a cluster of Azurite crystals. It has the shape of the original Azurite, but is composed entirely of Malachite! Pseudomorphs occur more often than you’d think in the mineral world. But Malachite after Azurite is a well known and very popular one due to the color contrast of the two species. As for locality, the Milpillas mine will go down in history as one of the best Azurite and Malachite after Azurite localities in the world, if not THE best. There are many who say Tsumeb will always reign supreme, but that’s not without bias on my part. This is an exciting colorful piece for anyone! As an added bonus, there are areas of probably Goethite that are iridescent as well!