Malachite after Azurite

specimen number:
8311106

location:
Milpillas Mine, Sonora, Mexico

description:
Bladed crystals of what were once azurite in groupings to almost 4.5 cm are in size across the top of a brecciated matrix and replaced by green malachite. This is in terrific condition.

The Milpillas Mine in Sonora, Mexico, is a modern copper mine that began production in 2006 and quickly became famous among mineral collectors for exceptional secondary copper minerals found in the oxidized zone of the deposit. The mine produced outstanding specimens of azurite, malachite, cuprite, and other copper minerals. Many specimens show pseudomorphs in which one mineral replaces another while preserving the original crystal shape. A well known example from Milpillas is malachite after azurite, where green malachite has replaced the original blue azurite crystals but retained their sharp crystal form. These specimens are highly valued for their color contrast and well preserved crystal shapes.

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