Azurite

specimen number:
2057138

location:
Moonta Mines, South Australia, Australia

description:
Attractive vibrant blue bladed crystals of azurite on matrix with minor malachite. Slight damage present, this confined to the edges of the pocket, I think in good condition and quite attractive. The Moonta Mines in South Australia were major copper producers within the Yorke Peninsula copper district, discovered in 1861 and rapidly developed during the 19th century. Rich copper ore bodies hosted in metamorphosed sedimentary rocks were mined by underground methods, and the town of Moonta grew quickly as mining expanded, earning the region the nickname Little Cornwall due to the large number of Cornish miners. By the late 1800s the Moonta and nearby Wallaroo mines were among the most important copper producers in Australia, supporting smelting and export industries. Production declined in the early 20th century as ore grades fell, and today the site is preserved as a historic mining area reflecting South Australias early copper boom.

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