Azurite on Malachite
Milpillas Mine, Cuitaca, Municipio de Santa Cruz
Sonora, Mexico
3.7 x 2.6 x 1.6 CM (small miniature/ large thumbnail (toenail))
price: $1350
new year 2021

From the great finds at Milpillas, this is a very fine small miniature in perfect condition with excellent esthetics. The Azurite crystals stand up from the contrasting green Malachite which covers a thin shard of matrix. These are translucent on the edges with a brilliant blue. A few tiny spots on the Azurites show Malachite alterations and the overall luster is very bright. With a close exam or under magnification the crystals are seen as compound prisms made from aligned crystals in an almost rosette structure. This piece is more impressive in person, and has a lot of display impact for its size. When Milpillas was active it produced lots of good Azurite and also a few really great pieces. Finding an above average specimen with rich color contrast in perfect condition (and at a fair price) was never easy. This is that sort of piece.