Azurite

A choice cabinet specimen of Azurite from the classic French location of Chessy-les mines in Rhone. Crystals of lustrous, deep rich royal blue Azurite measuring to 1 cm of a bladed habit are densely intergrown over a gossan Goethite matrix, with minor green Malachite.  These ancient copper mines are famously the type locality to Azurite, this mineral formerly known as Chessylite.  I have seen many good specimens from these mines and without doubt this is one of the finest for its size.  The Azurite crystals are perfectly developed and present a superb display surface, fringed around the specimen’s edges by the emerald green Malachite, the latter forming occasional fan-like sprays of acicular crystals with a terrific silky lustre.  A high quality Azurite with minor Malachite from one of Europe’s most classic mineral localities.