AZURITE
Specimen azu-1

Dims: 5"x4"x2-1/2"

Wt: 26.6 oz

Kolwezi, Zaire

This specimen is easily one of our finest examples of crystalline Azurite. The crystals themselves are contact-twinned, each over an inch long, and seem to radiate from a botryoidal mass of specular Malachite. The beautiful blue color (from which Azurite got its name) is so deep that it is diffuclt for light to be refracted through the crystals, making them sometimes apAZU-1

Dims: 2-1/2" x 1-3/4" x 1-3/4"

Wt: 4.1 oz

Morenci Mine, Arizona, U.S.A.

Small, shiny crystals with an almost blue-black color are the main feature of this Azurite specimen from Arizona. They rest in tiny hollows produced by the decay of Chrysocolla, which produced the bluish-white chalky substance that lines the cavities. These crystals are small, with some reaching a maximum of 1/4 inch, and most of them not exceeding 1/8 inch. Their crystal forAZU-2

Dims: 2-3/4" x 2-1/2" x 1-1/4"

Wt: 5.7 oz

Morenci Mine, Arizona, U.S.A.

The Azurite crystals in this specimen are of good size and quality. They achieve lengths up to 1/2 inch, and are all very exposed, but in excellent condition. They rest on a bed of a white, chalky substance that is probably a product of the decay of Chrysocolla. They have clean crystal faces and such a dark blue color that they are not really even translucent! I like to call Azurite "the bluest thing in theAZU-3

Dims: 2" x 1.75" x 1.50"

Wt: 1.7oz

Bou Azzer, Morocco

Because this specimen is heavily weathered, it is a gorgeous piece! Even though it only has a few small, well-formed crystals, the clusters of weathered ones are very impressive. These clusters take the form of acicular bursts, with sprays of almost lusterless, opaque tablets stacked together and colored dark blue. They rest on a Limonite matrix that actually looks like it's replacing some of the Azurite! This is a genuinely funky specimen!

Dims: 4.7" x 3.4" x 2.5" (11.9 x 8.6 x 6.4 cm)

Wt: 1 lb., 10.7 oz. (756 g)

Bou Azzer, Morocco

Though the crystals on this Azurite specimen are tiny, they make up in numbers what they lack in size- there are thousands of them! None of them exceed 1 mm in any dimension, so magnification of 10-power or greater is needed to define single crystals. Their color is a deep navy blue and their vitreous luster makes the cluster sparkle. They are translucent, and their form is too small for me to discern. The crystals are scattered over the hostAZU-8

Dims: 0.6" x 0.6" x 0.5" (1.5 x 1.5 x 1.3 cm)

Wt: 5.6 g

Grant County, New Mexico, U.S.A.

This beautiful specimen consists of a complete Azurite "flower"; I suppose one could call it a rosette. It consists of an aggregate of radiating bladed crystals that emanate from a central point or line. It has no damage, and shows exceptional form that actually looks quite a bit like a flower's bloom! Its color is a dark royal-to-navy blue, and it has a rather dull pearly luster. The rosette is opaque, showing only dim translucence through the exposed blades on its edges. BesiAZU-9

Dims: 2.3" x 1.5" x 1.2" (5.8 x 3.8 x 3.0 cm)

Wt: 1.92 oz. (54.6 g)

Morenci Mine, Morenci, Arizona, U.S.A.

The Azurite crystals on this specimen are quite small, not exceeding 3 mm in length, but are colored a beautiful deep blue that contrasts well with the host rock's red-brown color. They occur as small monoclinic blades that have curved edges, and many of them are exposed at the surface and damaged, though many are in the hollows and recesses in the host rock wherein they formed. All have a very deep blue color and a vitreous luster, and show moderate translucence.

Dims: 2.8" x 1.7" x 1.5" (7.1 x 4.3 x 3.8 cm)

Wt: 4.14 oz. (117.5 g)

Morenci Mine, Morenci, Arizona, U.S.A.

This Azurite specimen consists of a piece of a finely-grained red-brown sandstone host rock that has a rather large, deep crevice extending into it. This crevice is lined with a thin crust of a white, amorphous substance, on which dozens of small Azurite crystals are tightly clustered. They are all in generally good condition due to their lack of exposure, though there are small pockets and veins of the crystals elsewhere on the host rock that are damaged. All have moderately good monoclinic prismatic form, though there is substanAZU-14

Dims: 0.8" x 0.6" x 0.5" (2.0 x 1.5 x 1.3 cm)

Wt: 10.3 g w/ base

Lasal, Utah, U.S.A.

Rather large monoclinic crystals of Azurite are aggregated on this specimen. Though there is no symmetry to the aggregate, the crystals that constitute it are in excellent condition, with no visible human-induced damage and reasonably good form. They have the standard deep blue color and pearly-to-vitreous luster that one expects from Azurite, and are thoroughly opaque. Among the Azurite crystals are several weathered and rust-stained amorphous globules of malachite that have no luster and a rather faded pale green color. The entire specimen is affixed to a square acrylic base with aAZU-16

Dims: 0.9" x 0.8" x 0.6" (2.3 x 2.0 x 1.5 cm)

Wt: 15.7 g w/ base

Lasal, Utah, U.S.A.

This impressive thumbnail specimen consists of many large, curved Azurite blades that make up at least 2 incomplete round aggregates. The aggregates show no human-induced damage and the visible poritions of each crystal show very good form, with well-defined edges and clean faces that show a pearly, almost vitreous luster. They have a deep blue coloration and are opaque to all intents and purposes. Scattered on the aggregates' surfaces are several tiny botryoidal globules of malachite. All are weathered and rust-stained and show no luster and a faded green color. There is also what appears to be a small amount of AZU-18

Dims: 0.8" x 0.8" x 0.7" (2.0 x 2.0 x 1.8 cm)

Wt: 13.8 g w/ base

Lasal, Utah, U.S.A.

A rather odd-shaped but very well-formed aggregate of Azurite crystals makes up the bulk of this specimen. It is intergrown with two or three smaller aggregates. All are in excellent condition, showing little human-induced damage, and are made up of monoclinic Azurite blades that also have excellent form; the visible portions of each crystal are well-defined and have clean edges and smooth faces which show either a pearly or a vitreous luster, depending on the direction that they face, as the weathering that the specimen has undergone appears to be directional. There is a small amount of a blackened, rusty material that is attached to the aggregatAZU-19

Dims: 3.7" x 3.0" x 2.0" (9.4 x 7.6 x 5.1 cm)

Wt: 1 lb., 0.0 oz. (453 g)

unknown

The host rock of this specimen, which appears to be made of limestone, is partially covered with a crust layers of massive Azurite over malachite. As the material is polished, it has a bright, shiny luster. The Azurite's and malachite's colors are a characteristic dark blue and bright green, respectively. There is no discernable crystal form, though both the Azurite and the malachite show rounded patterns indicative of botryiodal formations. There are other veins that run through the host rock, but they are composed predominantly of malachite, and do not seem to extend far into the limestone. This piece may do well as a decoration on a shelf or a window sill.

Dims: 2.1" x 1.3" x 1.2" (5.3 x 3.3 x 3.0 cm)

Wt: 1.02 oz. (29.0 g)

Hanover Mine, Silver City, Grants County, New Mexico, U.S.A.

In a pale brown host rock that appears to be made of a chalky, weathered shale, are two round clusters of Azurite crystals. They show only a very small amount of weathering in contrast to their host, and have a dark, nearly navy blue coloration. The larger cluster measures about 0.5" (1.3 cm) in diameter and its smaller counterpart has a diameter of 0.2" (5 mm), and both clusters are in excellent condition, with no visible damage. The crystals that make up the clusters do not exceed 3 mm in length or width and have the stubby, monoclinic form and wedge-shaped terminations of Azurite. They have a bright pearly luster and are only dimly translucent at best.

Dims: 1.6" x 1.3" x 0.6" (4.1 x 3.3 x 1.5 cm)

Wt: 11.4 g

Hanover Mine, Silver City, Grants County, New Mexico, U.S.A.

Five round clusters of Azurite crystals infest the small amount of host rock of this specimen. They are all in excellent condition, showing only a small amount of damage on one cluster. All have a deep, navy-blue coloration and range in size from 0.1" (2-3 mm) to nearly 0.3" (7 mm) in diameter. They are made up of bladed, monoclinic crystals with wedge-shaped terminations that do not exceed 2 mm in length or width. The form of these clusters is sometimes described as a rosette. They are all partially embedded in a very soft, chalky host rock that I think might be made of weathered shale.

Dims: 1.3" x 1.0" x 0.8" (3.3 x 2.5 x 2.0 cm)

Wt: 7.5 g

Hanover Mine, Silver City, Grants County, New Mexico, U.S.A.

A single rosette cluster of Azurite crystals rests in the weathered host rock of this specimen. The cluster shows heavy weathering, which has given it a lighter, more royal blue color that that of an unweathered cluster. It is nonetheless in excellent condition, showing no damage. The rosette measures about 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.4" (1.3 x 1.3 x 1.0 cm) and is thus not quite round in shape. The crystals that make up the rosette are too heavily weathered to effectively determine their crystal form, but they are still discernable. These crystals are completely opaque and have a waxy to dull luster due to their weathering.

Dims: 0.5" x 0.5" x 0.4" (1.3 x 1.3 x 1.0 cm)

Wt: 2.8 g

Lasal, Utah, U.S.A.

Though this Azurite rosette is not affixed to any host rock, it is still worthy of consideration. It is one of the most perfectly-formed clusters of its kind that I have seen. It has a slightly flattened round shape and shows only a very small amount of damage. It is made up of very short, bladed crystals that seem to have a triangular cross-section and do not exceed 2 mm in width. They have a deep, navy-blue coloration and a pearly luster on their visible faces, and are only dimly translucent at best. The crystals show a very uniform, symmetrical arrangement in the cluster. There are also two tiny, rounded globules of dull green, massive malachite on opposite ends of the cluster. I have affixed it inside a domed thimble box for display and protection.

Dims: 1.6" x 1.4" x 0.7" (4.1 x 3.6 x 1.8 cm)

Wt: 25.8 g

Hanover Mine, Silver City, Grants County, New Mexico, U.S.A.

I am pretty sure that most of this specimen's mass is constituted by the 15 rounded rosette clusters of Azurite that rest in its soft, chalky host rock. These clusters are in excellent condition, showing almost no human-induced damage, and range in size from 0.1 - 0.4" (0.3 - 1.0 cm) in diameter. All have a dark, navy-blue coloration and show a luster on their crystals' faces that ranges from waxy to vitreous. All are completely opaque, their colors being too dark to let light through. Several of these clusters show a substantial amount of the rust-colored host rock scattered on their surfaces, and one is still almost completely buried. Two of the more exposed clusters are somewhat misshapen and actually appear to be made up of many tiny rosettes that are partially intergrown. I think that it AZU-28

Dims: 2.0" x 1.9" x 1.5" (5.1 x 4.8 x 3.8 cm)

Wt: 2.57 oz. (73.1 g)

Morenci Mine, Morenci, Arizona, U.S.A.

The dozens of small Azurite crystals on this specimen are all partially buried in a matrix that I think is made of decayed chrysocolla. The Azurite crystals occur in the form of thick, monoclinic blades that are in generally good condition, though several show visible damage. They have good form, though, and show almost no weathering, which means their color is a very deep, navy blue and they have a vitreous luster. Their color is so dark, in fact, that they only show translucence in bright light. The crystals range in size from 2 mm to 0.3" (8 mm) in length. The pale blue, decayed material in which they are embedded fills the large cavities in the brown base rock. This base rock is likely a variety of shale, though it almost looks like a brown-red jasper in a few spots, and is broken up into pieces of varying size, which are held together byAZU-29

Dims: 7.2" x 6.5" x 2.4" (18.3 x 16.5 x 6.1 cm)

Wt: 4.6 lbs. (2.2 kg)

Bou B'ker, Morocco

Though most of this specimen's mass appears to be made up of malachite, it's the Azurite nodules and aggregates that make it interesting and beautiful. The specimen itself consists of a rather thick crust of malachite that shows various shades of green, according to the form it has. A thick band that makes up the lower half of the crust has a dark color and is massive in form, whereas the upper layer has a much lighter color and appears to be nearly fibrous. However, this upper layer also has undergone substantial weathering, which helps to further lighten its color. Embedded in the top of this weathered layer are at least 25 Azurite aggregates, ranging in size from 3 mm in diameter to 0.6 x 0.3 x 0.3" (1.5 x 0.8 x 0.8 mm). They are generally in very good condition, though a few show some damage, and also show evidence of heavy weathering. All are colored a deep, navy-blue and have a lusterAZU-30

Dims: 3.2" x 3.0" x 1.8" (8.1 x 7.6 x 4.6 cm)

Wt: 6.22 oz. (176.4 g)

Morenci Mine, Morenci, Arizona, U.S.A.

A lovely example of the crystalline Azurite that comes from this locality, this specimen boasts at least 10 monoclinic tabular crystals. Though several show substantial amounts of breakage, there are many that are intact and have clean, smooth faces and well-defined edges that show off a bright, vitreous luster. All have a navy-blue color that is so deep as to render the crystals opaque, except under extremely bright light. These crystals do not exceed 0.3" (8 mm) in any dimension and are sandwiched in a large quantity of a pale blue, powdery substance that I can only guess is a decomposition product of either Azurite or some other copper mineral. This material has a very odd form that I have not seen before- it shows definite, individual layers in some areas. They are extremely thin and are spaced slightly apart from each other. There are several smaller pockets of this material scattered in the brown hAZU-31

Dims: 3.1" x 2.2" x 2.0" (7.9 x 5.6 x 5.1 cm)

Wt: 7.47 oz. (212.0 g)

Bou Azzer, Morocco

This piece is presently my favorite Azurite specimen. It consists of a limonite host rock on top of which rest several Azurite crystals that have been frozen part-way through their transformation into malachite. Some of the crystals appear to be completely transformed, as they appear to have less of a monoclinic form and more of a botryoidal one. Others, however, still show a substantial quantity of crystalline Azurite, with its deep navy-blue color and its vitreous luster. The largest of these crystals measures about 1.2" (3.0 cm) and is nearly 50% transformed, making one half appear green and slightly silky, and the other half appear almost blue-black and shiny (see the close-up image). The host rock is permeated with thin veins of more malachite, and shows evidence of other tiny spots of crystalline Azurite.

Dims: 1.0" x 0.6" x 0.5" (2.5 x 1.5 x 1.3 cm)

Wt: 5.7 g

Bou Azzer, Morocco

Though small, this Azurite specimen is one of the finest that I have seen. It consists of a cluster of monoclinic, bladed crystals that have excellent form and show only a few small breakage areas where the crystal was separated from its host rock. It is very difficult to determine where one crystal ends and another begins, but it seems that they do not exceed 0.5 x 0.3 x 0.2" (1.3 x 0.8 x 0.5 cm) in dimensions. All have a deep, navy-blue color and a pearly-to-vitreous luster, and are opaque under normal light. Besides a small amount of a cream-colored host rock in some crevices, there are also a few small, round malachite nodules partially embedded in the cluster. The specimen is affixed inside

Dims: 2.0 x 1.5 x 1.4" (5.1 x 3.8 x 3.6 cm)

Wt: 1.13 oz. (32.1 g)

Toussit, Morocco

This excellent little hand specimen consists of several intergrown clusters of prismatic Azurite crystals. Though showing some heavy wear in areas, all of the clusters seem to be in excellent condition, as I can detect no human-induced damage. The crystals reach a maximum length of 0.8" (2.0 cm) and show a good monoclinic form. Crystals that show little wear have a deep, navy-blue coloration and a bright, vitreous luster. Where there is more heavy wear, the crystals have a paler, royal blue coloration and a dull, waxy luster. Among the azurite prisms are several rounded malachite nodules. These are also heavily worn, so that their green color is somewhat paler than normal and their luster is dull. There is no host rock present on this specimen.

Dims: 2.1 x 2.1 x 0.9" (5.3 x 5.3 x 2.3 cm)

Wt: 1.65 oz. (46.8 g)

Toussit, Morocco

This small hand specimen consists almost entirely of Azurite, and ranges from massive to monoclinic prismatic in form. The dull, dark blue massive Azurite acts as a "base rock", and contains a few hollows in which rest dozens of prismatic crystals. These crystals do not exceed 0.4" (1.0 cm) in length, but they show very little damage. All have rather worn-looking, indistinct terminations, but their prism edges are sharp and their prism faces are clean and show a bright, vitreous luster. When a bright light is shined upon them, some of the crystals show a deep blue glow that would suggest a "transparence" of some sort, but in normal light the crystals appear nearly opaque. The only other material present on the piece is a thin dusting of limonite that is visible on the massive Azurite, and possibly a tiny bit of malachite.

Dims: 3.4 x 2.5 x 1.4" (8.6 x 6.4 x 3.6 cm)

Wt: 5.74 oz. (162.8 g)

Helvetia District, Pima County, Arizona, U.S.A.

There is actually a substantial amount of Azurite contained in this specimen. The piece consists of a matrix of decayed malachite in which rest scores of tiny Azurite nodules. These nodules seldom exceed 0.2" (5 mm) in diameter, and all that are intact have a deep, navy-blue coloration. Most are somewhat weathered and have a dull, matte luster, but a crevice in the matrix is lined with dozens of these nodules that are all at least partially intergrown into a botryoidal crust. These protected nodules show a brighter pearly-to-vitreous luster, and though they are very small, their crystals are sufficiently developed so that one can speculate on their monoclinic bladed form. Due to the heavily embedded nature of the Azurite clusters and crystals, they are all essentially opaque, though some dim translucence may be seen in a few spots.

Dims: 4.2 x 2.0 x 1/6" (10.7 x 5.1 x 4.1 cm)

Wt: 4.9 oz. (138.2 g)

Morenci Mine, Greenlee County, Arizona, U.S.A.

This hand specimen consists of a classic Morenci Mine specimen- scores of shiny Azurite crystals line hollows in a brown host rock. These crystals do not exceed 0.2" (5 mm) in diameter, but are in excellent condition, showing almost no damage. Their monoclinic bladed form is excellent, with straight, well-defined edges and clean faces that possess a bright, almost adamantine luster. Their blue coloration is so dark that it is difficult to determine any translucence, let alone transparence. The cavities that they line are coated with a pale blue, almost white crust that has a dull luster, and sometimes with a dusting of almost microscopic malachite needles.

Dims: 3.8 x 2.7 x 0.8" (9.7 x 6.9 x 2.0 cm)

Wt: 1.88 oz. (53.5 g)

Morenci Mine, Morenci, Arizona, U.S.A.

Many heavily weathered and intergrown Azurite nodules form this specimen, which takes on the form of a very rough crust. These nodules are so warped and decayed that many of them are impossible to define. All have a moderate to deep navy-blue coloration and a dull, matte luster, and all are completely opaque. There are remnants of a powdery, white substance that is scattered on the Azurite, a small amount of which has a pale green tint. Besides this material, there is no host rock of any kind.

Dims: 1.6 x 1.4 x 0.8" (4.1 x 3.6 x 2.0 cm)

Wt: oz

Hanover Mine, Silver City, Grants County, New Mexico, U.S.A.

Eight Azurite rosette clusters are partly embedded in the soft, chalky host rock of this thumbnail specimen. These clusters range in diameter from 0.2 - 0.5" (0.5 - 1.3 cm) and are in moderately good condition, as 5 of them show spots of paler color and dull luster that indicate damage. Though heavily intergrown, the crystals that make up the rosettes have good monoclinic bladed form, with well-defined edges and clean faces that possess a slightly dull vitreous luster. All have a deep navy-blue coloration and are essentially opaque under normal light, though a dim translucence may be visible around their edges under brighter light. I cannot identify the soft, pale brown host rock.

Dims: 2.5 x 1.9 x 1.2" (6.4 x 4.8 x 3.0 cm)

Wt: 2.33 oz. (66.2 g)

Morenci Mine, Morenci, Arizona, U.S.A.

A single Azurite "rosette" rests on the brown-black host rock of this specimen. The rosette measures 0.6 x 0.5 x 0.3" (1.5 x 1.3 x 0.8 cm) and is in excellent condition, showing no human-induced damage. The form of the cluster is somewhat warped due to restricted growing space, but its shape is still generally round. The crystals that make up the cluster are small and so heavily intergrown that it is impossible to study them individually. They possess many well-formed edges and clean faces, however, that produce a bright sparkle. They give the cluster a deep blue color, but are essentially opaque. A few other smatterings of Azurite rest elsewhere on the host rock, but none of these show as good a form as the large cluster. The host rock is generally black-brown in color, but some areas have a pale cream coloration. It is dull in luster and rather chalky.

Dims: 3.2 x 3.0 x 1.2" (8.1 x 7.6 x 3.0 cm)

Wt: 5.83 oz. (165.3 g)

Morenci Mine, Morenci, Arizona, U.S.A.

Dozens of tiny Azurite "rosettes" rest in hollows and crevices of the goethite/limonite host rock of this specimen. None of these rosettes exceeds 0.2" (5 mm) in diameter, but most are in excellent condition, being sheltered in their hollows. Though heavily intergrown, the monoclinic bladed form of the crystals seems to be very good. They have the obligatory deep azure-blue color and bright vitreous luster of Azurite, and one or two hollows are even lined with tiny prismatic crystals that are slightly deeper in color than the rosettes. They are essentially opaque due to their positioning, and are accompanied by many intergrown formations of reniform malachite (see the second image). The host rock itself appears to have a similar ren

Dims: 2.9 x 1.5 x 1.1" (7.4 x 3.8 x 2.8 cm)

Wt: 2.71 oz. (77.0 g)

Morenci Mine, Morenci, Arizona, U.S.A.

Several intergrown Azurite "rosettes" rest on the rusty-brown host rock of this specimen. They measure up to 0.4" (1.0 cm) in diameter and are in moderately good condition, as several are damaged, one considerably so. Each rosette is made up of several round Azurite blades that have excellent form. All are a deep azure-blue in color and have a bright, vitreous luster. Under halogen light, they are moderately translucent. The rosettes rest upon a reniform crust of intergrown malachite nodules. These nodules are in very good condition and are well-formed, with a pale green color and a dull luster. They are especially visible in a small pocket on the opposite side of the main Azurite formation (see the second image). The host rock seems to be a bit too hard to be goethite, though it does contain that mineral- I am not exactly sure what the material is.

Dims: 4.0 x 3.8 x 1.7" (10.2 x 9.7 x 4.3 cm)

Wt: 10.9 oz. (309 g)

Morenci Mine, Morenci, Arizona, U.S.A.

This hand specimen consists of a chunk of goethite/limonite host rock on which rest at least 20 small Azurite "rosettes" Each rosette is made up of several round, intergrown radiating Azurite blades. Many of these rosettes are damaged, but a hollow area in the host rock provides protection for at least 10 of them. They do not exceed 0.4" (1.0 cm) in diameter or 0.2" (5 mm) in thickness, and have excellent form- the blades that make up the clusters have sharp edges and clean faces that possess a moderate to bright pearly luster. All have a very bright azure-blue coloration that contrasts with tbe red-brown host rock, and clusters are only dimly translucent, at best. Several other, smaller hollows in the host rock contain intergrown Azurite blades that have a deeper blue color and a brighter, almost vitreous luster, and all are accompanied by a few random, rounded sprays of compact malachite needles. I think that a few of these rosettes, though small, are exceptional!

Dims: 3.7 x 2.7 x 2.7" (9.4 x 6.9 x 6.9 cm)

Wt: 8.74 oz. (248.0 g)

Morenci Mine, Morenci, Arizona, U.S.A.

Several dozen small Azurite "rosettes" rest in hollows in the dark brown host rock of this hand specimen. None of these rosettes exceed 0.2" (5 mm) in diameter, and most do not exceed 0.1" (3 mm). Only a few of the most exposed rosettes are damaged, as they are generally protected in their hollows. The Azurite blades that make up the rosettes are too intergrown to effectively study as individuals, but their monoclinic prismatic form appears to be reasonably good, though slightly rounded. All have the classic deep, azur-blue coloration and a bright pearly luster, and are only dimly translucent even under bright light. The host rock in which they rest appears to be made of goethite or limonite- in any case, it contains a lot of iron.

Dims: 3.5 x 1.6 x 0.8" (8.9 x 4.1 x 2.0 cm)

Wt: 2.13 oz. (60.5 g)

Morenci Mine, Morenci, Arizona, U.S.A.

This small hand specimen consists of several Azurite rosettes that are made up of small Azurite blades that are intergrown in a concentric pattern. These rosettes are generally in good condition, though a few are obviously damaged and incomplete, and reach diameters of up to 0.4" (1.0 cm). Their form is quite good, though I cannot effectively study individual crystals due to their tight intergrowth. All have the standard deep azur-blue coloration and bright, vitreous luster of their species. Each cluster is essentially opaque as a unit, though exposed edges of the blades show a dim translucence. These rosettes are accompanied by several clusters of round malachite nodules that appear to be weathered. All have a pale green coloration and a matte luster. Both minerals rest on a base of finely grained sandstone or shale that has a pale brown coloration but is stained black in several areas.

Dims: 0.9 x 0.8 x 0.6" (2.3 x 2.0 x 1.5 cm)

Wt: 21.9 g w/ specimen box

Hanover #2 Mine, Grant County, New Mexico, U.S.A.

This specimen consists of one of the larger Azurite "rosette" clusters that I have seen in my travels. It appears to be in excellent condition- I can find almost no visible damage-, and is made up of many Azurite blades that appear to have excellent monoclinic form, with well-defined edges and clean faces that are somewhat weathered. This weathering has dulled their luster to a mere waxy-to-pearly shine and has slightly faded their normally deep azure-blue color. A small amount of weathered, pale green malachite is present, along with a few small, red-brown nodules that could possibly be made of goethite or limonite, but there is no host or base rock to speak of. It is affixed inside a plastic specimen box with an adhesive putty.

Dims: 3.5 x 1.5 x 1.0" (8.9 x 3.8 x 2.5 cm)

Wt: 2.35 oz. (66.7 g)

Toussit, Morocco

Several intergrown clusters of heavily worn Azurite prisms make up this small hand specimen. The largest complete crystal that I can see has a length of 1.3" (3.3 cm). All appear to be in excellent condition- there is only a small amount of fresh damage visible on the piece. All of the crystals are badly weathered, and thus their monoclinic prismatic forms, while still quite discernable, are not very well-defined. The weathering has also affected their color, which has faded in most places from an azure- to a deep royal-blue, and their luster, which is dulled to a bright pearly. They are also opaque and are partly covered with a thin crust of a dull, rust-stained material that I cannot identify.

Dims: 11.0 x 5.2 x 5.0" (27.9 x 13.2 x 12.7 cm)

Wt: 9.2 lbs. (4.2 kg)

not yet determined

This large cabinet specimen consists of a brown shale host rock through which extend many thin veins of massive Azurite and malachite. One of these veins has been completely exposed, making up part of the surface of the piece. It has been ground smooth and polished to show the interaction between the Azurite and malachite. The Azurite is the more pervasive of the 2 minerals, and has the classic dark blue coloration that is nearly black in many areas. The malachite has the standard pale to moderate green coloration, and subtle banding can be seen with close inspection. The crust is essentially opaque.

Dims: 4.9 x 3.8 x 2.4" (12.4 x 9.7 x 6.1 cm)

Wt: 3 lbs., 0.3 oz. (1.368 kg)

not yet determined (probably Morocco)

This large hand specimen consists of a cut, partly polished chunk of massive Azurite and malachite in matrix. Both minerals occur as several veins that run in and around the brown banded host rock. There is much more Azurite than malachite, and its moderately deep azure-blue color stands out well. There is a small amount of layering visible in both minerals, and even a few tiny crystals are evident in a small hollow near the base on one side. The base itself has been cut flat so that the piece will stand upright, and I have placed felt pads on it for protection.

Dims: 5.0 x 3.1 x 2.3" (12.7 x 7.9 x 5.8 cm)

Wt: 2 lbs., 8.0 oz. (1.135 kg)

Arizona, U.S.A.

This specimen consists of a slab of pale brown host rock which is covered on both sides by a very thin layer of malachite. On one of the malachite crusts rest hundreds of tiny Azurite "rosettes". These rosettes do not exceed 1 or 2 mm in diameter and are generally in good condition, though those on the most exposed parts of the surface have been damaged or crushed. Though they are difficult to study without high magnification, they appear to have good form. All have the standard deep blue coloration of their species and a dull pearly-to-waxy luster. They are translucent, but are too small for one to see this without high magnification.

Dims: 5.7 x 5.0 x 2.6" (14.5 x 12.7 x 6.6 cm)

Wt: 2 lbs., 10.6 oz. (1.207 kg)

Morenci Mine, Morenci, Arizona, U.S.A.

A few thin Azurite crusts partly coat the dark brown base of this cabinet specimen. These crusts are very thin (1-2 mm maximum) and are made up of countless Azurite crystals that are nearly microscopic in size. The crusts are in moderately good condition, though several obvious spots of damage are present. Along with the Azurite crusts are a few chrysocolla crusts, one of which partly covers the largest Azurite crust. This chrysocolla crust is evident by the gradual change in coloration from an aqua-blue to a deep azure-blue, signifying the thinning and eventual end of the chrysocolla coating. There are also many tiny rounded chrysocolla blades and a few broken, round nodules on an adjacent face.

Dims: 1.2 x 1.0 x 0.7" (3.0 x 2.5 x 1.8 cm)

Wt: 15.0 g

Toussit Mine, near Oudja, Morocco

At least 5 or 6 intergrown Azurite "rosette" clusters make up this thumbnail specimen. These clusters are in fairly good condition, showing two small spots of considerable damage, and a few tiny spots of light damage. Each cluster is made up of scores of tiny but well-formed monoclinic Azurite blades that generally do not exceed 0.1" (3 mm) in length. Their edges are sharp and their faces are slightly curved but very clean, possessing a bright vitreous luster that makes the piece sparkle. All have the standard deep azure-blue coloration- though individual crystals are translucent and maybe even transparent, the clusters are essentially opaque. A small amount of an iron-rich rock rests in a few crevices on the piece.

Dims: 0.7 x 0.5 x 0.4" (1.8 x 1.3 x 1.0 cm)

Wt: 10.9 g w/ base

Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Namibia

This thumbnail specimen consists of a cluster of 3 or 4 intergrown Azurite crystals. These crystals are in fairly good condition, showing minor damage, and though one is badly broken and mostly incomplete, its damage occurred before it was mined. The largest of these has dimensions of 0.5 x 0.4 x 0.1" (1.3 x 1.0 x 0.3 cm) and like the others, has excellent monoclinic bladed form, with sharp edges and clean faces. All have the classic deep azure-blue coloration and vitreous luster. They are likely transparent, but appear to be translucent due to the intense depth of color. There is no host rock present, and the piece is affixed to a flat, square acrylic base with an adhesive putty.

Dims: 11.1 x 7.2 x 6.2" (28.2 x 18.3 sx 15.7 cm)

Wt: 16.1 lbs. (7.3 kg)

unknown (likely Zaire)

This large piece consists of two Azur-malachite crusts that partly coat a brown sandstone or shale base. One of these crusts has been ground smooth and polished to a glossy sheen. It shows no crystal form and the standard deep blue and pale green colors of the material. The other crust is rough, showing noticeable botryoidal form, and consists of a layer of Azurite that is coated by a thin malachite layer. They have the same deep blue and pale green colorations, but are completely dull in luster. There are many very small patches and veins of massive Azurite scattered elsewhere on the piece, and one vein in which it appears to be crystalline.

Dims: 0.7 x 0.6 x 0.4" (1.8 x 1.5 x 1.0 cm)

Wt: 4.6 g

Lasal, Utah, U.S.A.

This single Azurite rosette is in excellent condition, showing almost no visible damage. It is made up of several well-defined monoclinic Azurite crystals that do not exceed 0.3" (8 mm) along any visible dimension. All have the standard deep azure-blue coloration and a nearly adamantine luster. Very small amounts of limonite and malachite are visible on the piece, but there is no definable host material present.

Dims: 0.8 x 0.6 x 0.6" (2.0 x 1.5 x 1.5 cm)

Wt: 6.3 g

Lasal, Utah, U.S.A.

This thumbnail specimen appears to be made of several intergrown Azurite rosettes and do not exceed 0.5" (1.3 cm) in diameter. They are generally in good condition, though a few small spots of light damage are visible. Each is made up of scores of tiny but apparently well-formed monoclinic blades that do not exceed 2 mm in length or width. All have a very dark azure-blue coloration and a bright, nearly adamantine luster that makes the piece sparkle. A very subtle dusting of a white, powdery material is visible on most of the piece, but there is no host rock present.

Dims: 3.9 x 3.8 x 1.6" (9.9 x 9.6 x 4.1 cm)

Wt: 1 lb., 3.5 oz. (554 g)

Arizona, U.S.A.

A patchy coating of crystalline Azurite rests on the brown base of this hand specmien. The coating is made up of countless tiny Azurite crystals that are generally in good condition, though a few spots are obviously crushed. They are too small to study without magnification and have the standard azure-blue color and at least a bright pearly luster. They are accompanied by a few patches of dull, pale green malachite that shows no crystal form.

Dims: 2.3 x 1.6 x 1.5" (5.9 x 4.1 x 3.7 cm)

Wt: 2.49 oz. (70.6 g)

Morenci Mine, Morenci, Arizona, U.S.A.

This hand specimen consists of several clusters of tiny Azurite crystals that line hollows in the brown-red host rock. These crystals do not generally exceed 0.1" (3 mm) in length, but are generally in good condition due to their protective surroundings. Their deep, azure-blue color and bright, vitreous luster are standard for their species, and all appear to be essentially translucent due to the intense depth of their color. The hollows in which they rest are also partly lined with a nearly white, powdery substance that is likely some sort of decomposition product, possibly of the Azurite itself.

Dims: 1.8 x 1.5 x 1.3" (4.6 x 3.8 x 3.3 cm)

Wt: 1.20 oz. (34.1 g)

Hanover Mine, Silver City, Grants County, New Mexico, U.S.A.

Seven Azurite clusters are embedded in the chalky, pale-brown matrix of this hand specimen. All but one of the clusters has the form of a rosette, and reaches up to 0.3" (8 mm) in diameter. The other is a simple cluster of a few monoclinic crystals that are intergrown so as to look like a single rhombohedron. All have a deep azure-blue color and a dull, greasy-to-waxy luster, and are essentially opaque. The matrix rock is rather delicate and crumbly, so care in handling is recommended.

Dims: 3.6 x 2.8 x 1.6" (9.0 x 7.2 x 4.2 cm)

Wt: 4.29 oz. (121.6 g)

Grant County, New Mexico, U.S.A.

This large hand specimen consists of several Azurite rosettes, most of which are intergrown, that are partly embedded in a chalky matrix. The rosettes do not generally exceed 0.3" (8 mm) in diameter and are in fair condition at best, as most are severely weathered and several are so worn as to be incomplete. Their azure-blue color fades according to their weathering, and several still show the sparkle of definable crystals. The chalky matrix in which they rest is stained green with copper and contains a vein of either chrysocolla or another secondary copper mineral.

Dims: 2.0 x 1.8 x 1.2" (5.0 x 4.5 x 3.1 cm)

Wt: 1.7 oz. (48 g) w/ base

El Cobre Mine, Concepcion del Oro, Zacatecas, Mexico

A cluster of Azurite and malachite blades rests on the pale beige base of this hand specimen. All of the crystals were originally Azurite in composition, but several are at least partly pseudomorphed into malachite- there are also two individual malachite pseudomorphs nearby. All are in excellent condition, showing no damage, and reach lengths of nearly 0.5" (1.3 cm). Their monoclinic bladed form is excellent. The Azurite crystals have the standard deep, azure-blue color and vitreous luster of their specie, and would likely be transparent if their color was not so intensely deep. The malachite pseudomorphs have the standard green color and a nearly silky luster- they are opaque. They are accompanied by a few small quartz crystals, and all rest on what appears to be a goethite crust. The piece is hot-glued to an acrylic base.

Dims: 2.3 x 1.6 x 1.6" (5.9 x 4.1 x 4.0 cm)

Wt: 2.64 oz. (75.0 g)

Morenci Mine, Morenci, Arizona, U.S.A.

Scores of tiny Azurite crystals line the hollows in the red-brown host rock of this hand specimen. These crystals are in moderately good condition, as considerable damage is visible on exposed edges, and do not tend to exceed 0.1 or 0.2" (2-5 mm) in diameter. Their monoclinic bladed form appears to be good, however, and all have the deep azure-blue color and a bright pearly luster that is nearly vitreous in some places. Even with their small size, they are only translucent at best. They rest on crusts of a pale, whitish, powdery substance that is likely a decomposition product of either Azurite or malachite.

Dims: 1.4 x 1.0 x 1.0" (3.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 cm)

Wt: 0.5 oz. (13 g)

Mine de Toussit, Toussit, Oujda, Morocco

A cluster of several Azurite crystals extends from the sparse base rock of this hand specimen. These crystals are in excellent condition, showing no visible damage, and reach dimensions of 1.3 x 0.7 x 0.3" (3.2 x 1.7 x 0.7 cm). Though imperfect due to substantial intergrowth and irregularities, their monoclinic bladed form is still extremely good. All have the standard azure-blue color that is so deep as to render the crystals nearly opaque in normal light. Their luster is bright and vitreous.

Dims: 1.5 x 0.9 x 0.5" (3.8 x 2.2 x 1.2 cm)

Wt: 0.2 oz. (6 g)

Mine de Toussit, Toussit, Oujda, Morocco

This thumbnail specimen consists of 3 intersecting Azurite blades. These blades are in excellent condition- only one shows any fresh damage, and this damage is minimal. Other damage to the crystals shows partial healing, implying that it occurred prior to mining. They reach dimensions of 0.8 x 0.5 x 0.2" (2.0 x 1.2 x 0.5 cm) and show excellent monoclinic bladed form. All have the standard azure-blue color and vitreous luster and are nearly opaque in normal light due to the depth of their color.

Dims: 1.1 x 0.9 x 0.8" (2.7 x 2.1 x 2.2 cm)

Wt: 0.2 oz. (5 g)

Mine de Toussit, Toussit, Oujda, Morocco

At least 7 intersecting Azurite crystals make up this thumbnail specimen. These crystals reach lengths of up to 1.1 (2.9 cm) and are generally in very good condition, though a few are lightly damaged and one or two others are broken. All have exceptional monoclinic form with a nearly prismatic habit- their regularity of form is unusual. All show the standard azure-blue coloration and a vitreous luster, and are likely transparent; however, their depth of color renders them all but opaque under normal light. A small amount of malachite-coated host rock holds them together.

Dims: 1.1 x 1.0 x 0.6" (2.7 x 2.6 x 1.6 cm)

Wt: 0.4 oz. (10 g)

Mine de Toussit, Toussit, Oujda, Morocco

This thumbnail piece consists of several Azurite crystals that intersect with each other and their dolomite base. These crystals reach dimensions of 1.0 x 0.5 x 0.3" (2.6 x 1.3 x 0.7 cm) and are generally in excellent condition- only a few show any appreciable damage. All have excellent monoclinic bladed form that is nearly prismatic in habit. The largest crystal has particularly good form and shows rather odd, vein-like depressions running through portions of its surface- it almost seems to have been weathered or subjected to some sort of acid or solvent. All have the intensely deep azure-blue coloration, rendering them nearly opaque, and the standard vitreous luster. Their dolomite base is crystalline.

Dims: 1.6 x 1.3 x 1.2" (4.0 x 3.4 x 3.1 cm)

Wt: 1.4 oz. (39 g)

Mine de Toussit, Toussit, Oujda, Morocco

Several intact Azurite crystals extend from the dolomite/azurite base of this hand specimen. These crystals reach 0.9" (2.2 cm) in length and are generally in very good condition, though all of them show some damage. The largest crystals are also the least damaged, and show exceptional monoclinic, bladed form, with sharp edges and clean faces that have a vitreous luster. All have the classic azure-blue coloration, which is so dark that the crystals appear nearly opaque in normal light. The dolomite base is made up of many intergrown crystals that are intact and in very good condition.

Dims: 2.0 x 1.8 x 1.1" (6.0 x 4.6 x 2.8 cm)

Wt: 3.0 oz. (84 g)

Mine de Toussit, Toussit, Oujda, Morocco

A crust made up of countless small, intersecting Azurite crystals rests on the dull, green base rock of this hand specimen. These crystals do not exceed 0.3" (8 mm) in length and are generally in good condition, though a few areas show obvious damage. They generally have excellent monoclinic bladed form and the azure-blue color and vitreous luster that are common for their specie. All are likely transparent and clear, but their intense color makes this difficult to study the larger crystals under normal light.

Dims: 2.1 x 1.6 x 1.4" (5.4 x 4.2 x 3.6 cm)

Wt: 3.4 oz. (96 g)

Mine de Toussit, Toussit, Oujda, Morocco

This hand specimen consists of a dull, gray-green base rock on which rests a crystalline Azurite crust. This crust is made up of hundreds of small Azurite blades that are in very good condition but do not exceed 0.2" (5 mm) in length. All have excellent monoclinic bladed form and show an intense blue color and a vitreous luster. They are also generally transparent and quite clear.

Dims: 1.5 x 1.3 x 1.0" (3.8 x 3.2 x 2.6 cm)

Wt: 1.3 oz. (36 g)

Mine de Toussit, Toussit, Oujda, Morocco

This small hand specimen consists of a crystalline Azurite crust resting on a small, dull gray base rock. The crystals generally do not exceed 0.2" (5 mm) in length but are in very good condition, as few are visibly damaged. All have excellent monoclinic prismatic form and the classic deep blue color and vitreous luster. Though they are extremely dark, one can easily see their transparence and clarity in normal light.

Dims: 1.4 x 1.2 x 1.1" (3.7 x 3.0 x 2.8 cm)

Wt: 0.7 oz. (19 g)

Mine de Toussit, Toussit, Oujda, Morocco

A crust of crystalline Azurite covers most of the dull, gray base rock of this thumbnail specimen. These crystals do not exceed 0.1 - 0.2" (3 - 5 mm) but are generally in very good condition. All have good monoclinic bladed form and the deep blue color that is standard for the specie. Their luster is vitreous, and all are transparent and at least dimly clear.

Dims: 2.4x1.7x2.8" (6.1x4.4x5.1 cm)

Wt: 5.78 oz. (163.7g)

Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Namibia

The host rock of this specimenhas several cavities lined with blue azurite crystals, and appears to have a thick vein of azurite running through it. This vein is topped by a cluster of excellent (and exposed) crystals that would be transparent except that their blue color is so deep that the only light that passes through the crystal is a deep azure blue. Many of these crystals are over 5mm in length. On the bottom os the specimen, the azurite crystals are smaller and show more blue color and fire. There is also a small malachite crystal, along with some crusts of a light green material, likely another copper mineral. Many of the azurite crystals show some damage, especially where this rock was broken off of its neighbors.

Dims: 1.73x1.28x0.82" (4.39x3.25x2.08cm)

Wt: 1.18oz (33.5g)

Tsumeb Mine, Tsumeb, Otavirbergge, Namibia

This specimen has more than a dozen extremely dark blue crystals of azurite on a matrix which itself is a conglomerate of many minerals. The azurite is so dark that even the edges are opaque and essentially black, but there are many internal fractures which reflect the deep blue color of azurite, and a few places reflect bright blue colors when the sunlight hits them. Only two of the azurites have an exposed length greater than 1cm.

Dims: 1.96x1.11x0.61" (4.98x2.81x1.55cm)

Wt: 0.90oz (25.5g)

Toussit Mine, Oujda, Morocco

The largest azurite crystal here is a twin, giving it a chevron appearance. All of the larger crystals are so dark as to appear black, except where edges (or internal fractures) allow the true deep blue color to be revealed. There are also a number of tiny azurite crystals, showing a bright blue color, transparent appearance, and fine prismatic habit. The larger crystals mostly show some damage where the specimen was removed from its surroundings, while a cavity in the host rock protected the smaller crystals and interior portions of the larger ones.

Dims: 0.73x0.70x0.44" (1.87x1.78x1.11cm)

Wt: 0.20oz (5.8g)

Blue Ball Mine, Gila County, Arizona, USA

This is half of a small azurite geode. The azurite appears to have lined a cavity in a host rock, with crystals lining the interior. The bulk of the material is a medium blue without crystal form, and the cavity in the center of the geode is coated with a druze of deep blue azurite crystals. A radial pattern is apparent, and some of the azurite (primarily a layer between the exterior and the inside crystals) has partially converted to malachite.

Dims: 2.31x2.23x1.14" (5.87x5.67x2.89cm)

Wt: 4.30oz (121.8g)

Hubei Province, China

This is a beautiful and somewhat unusual specimen of azurite. The crystals are arranged in partial rosettes - all that is visible is stacked triagular terminations that give a curved appearance to the cluster. The individual crystals are opaque and have such a deep blue color that they are nearly black. The center of the cluster has a patch of red-brown limonite with a dusting of green malachite.