1.7" Rough Azurite Crystals And Malachite Mineral Specimen Tiznit Morocco
Location: Tiznit Province, Morocco
Weight: 1.1 Ounces
Dimensions: 1.7 Inches Long, 1.3 Inches Wide, 0.8 Inches Thick
The item pictured is the one you will receive.
Azurite is a relatively soft copper mineral celebrated for its intense, deep blue colouration, formed through the natural weathering of copper ore deposits. Also known as Chessylite, the name originates from classic specimens mined near Chessy-les-Mines in Lyon, France, a locality historically renowned for producing exceptional examples of this mineral. Azurite typically crystallises in tabular to prismatic forms, displaying bright, glassy crystal faces that enhance its visual impact.
It frequently occurs alongside malachite, and the transformation between the two minerals often results in green speckling or staining on azurite surfaces. More than 45 distinct crystal forms of azurite are well recognised, with over 100 documented variations, highlighting its remarkable structural diversity. The name azurite is derived from an Arabic word meaning “blue,” and it is often poetically referred to as the “Stone of Heaven.” Its rich colour and dramatic crystal habit make azurite a highly prized specimen among mineral collectors worldwide.
Malachite is a striking green copper carbonate mineral that forms as copper sulfide ores undergo natural oxidation near the Earth’s surface. Frequently occurring in association with azurite, malachite often develops in flowing banded layers or rounded, botryoidal formations that beautifully contrast with azurite’s deep blue crystals. This natural pairing creates visually dramatic specimens that showcase the transformation of copper minerals through geological time.
Throughout history, malachite has held significant value as both a copper ore and a natural green pigment, widely used in ancient art, architecture, and decorative objects. Its vibrant green tones have been incorporated into jewellery, carvings, and ornamental works for centuries, reflecting its enduring cultural and artistic importance. When found together, malachite and azurite form a highly desirable mineral combination, admired for its bold colour contrast, aesthetic harmony, and geological significance, making it especially prized among collectors and mineral enthusiasts.
