AJOITE
Specimen ajo-4
$ 40.00Dims: 3.6 x 2.0 x 1.7" (9.2 x 5.0 x 4.2 cm)
Wt: 4.9 oz. (138 g)
New Cornelia Mine, Pima County, Arizona, U.S.A.
Veins of Ajoite and related copper minerals extend through the brown matrix rock of this cabinet piece. The Ajoite appears to be almost completely massive in form - a few tiny patches show a faint sparkling as evidence of nearly microscopic crystal form. It has a blue-green color and a matte luster where massive, but likely a pearly luster where crystals have formed. These crystals are far too small to effectively study even with a loupe - a microscope is needed. The Ajoite also appears to be opaque where massive - I cannot discern the clarity of the crystalline material. Another copper mineral with a pale blue coloration is closely associated in the veins; I am thinking that it could be shattuckite.