Azurite

specimen number:
8311362

location:
Milpillas Mine, Sonora, Mexico

description:

Glassy deep blue bright lustrous crystals of azurite coming nicely off matrix. In super condition, this is an outstanding miniature. Complete all around.

The Milpillas Mine, located in the Cuitaca District near Cananea, Sonora, Mexico, is an underground copper operation that gained legendary status for producing what many consider the finest azurite crystals of the modern era. Geologically, it is a supergene-enriched porphyry copper deposit where the oxidation of primary sulfide ores in a carbonate-rich environment allowed for the growth of spectacular secondary minerals. The azurite from this locality is celebrated for its intense, electric royal-blue color, high luster, and sharp, blocky to tabular crystal habits that often reach several centimeters in size. Historically, the mine was developed by Industrias Penoles, with construction starting in the early 2000s and commercial production beginning in 2006. While the facility was primarily designed as a low-cost producer of copper cathodes using solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX-EW) technology, the period between 2006 and 2015 saw a consistent output of world-class mineral specimens. Although the mining has since moved into deeper, less oxidized zones, the azurite specimens from Milpillas remain a global benchmark for the species due to their extraordinary saturation and crystalline perfection.

Questions about this specimen?
Send an email or call us: 314-341-1811.