Azurite

specimen number:
1052460

location:
Bisbee, Cochise Co., Arizona, USA

description:
Crystallized and botryoidal blue azurite throughout this matrix. Some damage present as seen. as shown at the end of the video and dates to the very early 20th century.

Bisbee, Arizona, is one of the most important historic mining districts in the United States, with activity beginning in the late 1870s following the discovery of rich copper deposits in the Mule Mountains. The geology of the district is characterized by replacement deposits and vein systems hosted in limestone and related rocks, where hydrothermal fluids introduced copper, lead, zinc, gold, and silver. Early mining focused on high grade underground ore, with major operations such as the Copper Queen Mine driving rapid development. By the early 20th century, Bisbee had become a leading copper producer, and later large scale open pit mining, including the Lavender Pit, expanded production. The district is also world famous for its mineralogy, producing exceptional specimens of azurite, malachite, and many rare secondary minerals formed in the oxidized zones. Mining declined in the late 20th century, but Bisbee remains a classic locality known for both its history and its outstanding mineral specimens.

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