Malachite pseudomorph after Azurite

The naming of specimens for their resemblance to something or other is widespread amongst mineral collectors, so this amazingly shaped Malachite pseudomorph after Azurite could prove especially popular, especially if you are also a fan of James Bond.  Not only does this beautiful specimen look like a pistol, complete with trigger and trigger guard, but to boot, a Walther PPK, the preferred choice of the fictional spy, 007. Only to add to this remarkable coincidence, the specimen is just about the exact size of such a gun!  Two large former Azurite crystals measuring 11 and 5.5 cm long form the barrel and grip respectively, with smaller attached crystals positioned for the trigger, guard and even a raised sight, close to the barrel’s tip.  From Touissit in the L'oriental Region of Morocco, no trace of Azurite now exists, certainly on the outside of the specimen.  The Malachite can be seen replacing the Azurite in piecemeal advancement, resulting in a colour chequered patchwork of dark bottle greens, lighter emerald greens with a silky play of light.  In the numerous tiny vugs and crevices, micro acicular sprays of Malachite line such pore space.  So, if you fancy introducing this pseudomorph to admirers by the name ‘PPK, Walther PPK’, this is certainly for you!