Azurite malachite quartz - Morocco |Ref.545

This association of azurite, malachite and quartz comes from Morocco and was collected in 2009.

The piece has an irregular vertical structure formed by several elongated reliefs partly covered with copper minerals. The azurite appears in deep blue to violet-blue tones, while the malachite forms more diffuse or finely crystallized green areas. Brown to orange sections of the matrix remain visible and enhance the contrast between the different mineralisations.

A few quartz crystals, ranging from translucent to whitish, are also present between the azurite and malachite areas. They add paler and occasionally lustrous surfaces without dominating the piece. The arrangement of the three minerals creates a formation rich in relief, with variations in texture visible from different viewing angles.

Azurite and malachite are two copper carbonates commonly associated in the oxidation zones of copper deposits. Azurite is recognised by its strong blue tones, while malachite develops in shades of green. Quartz accompanies the copper mineralisation and completes the association.

Mounted on a clear acrylic base, the mineral measures 32 mm wide and 42 mm high. It weighs 33 g including the base.

Mineralogical information

Azurite: copper carbonate hydroxide, Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂.
Malachite: copper carbonate hydroxide, Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂.
Quartz: silicon dioxide, SiO₂.
Crystal system: monoclinic for azurite and malachite, trigonal for quartz.
Hardness: approximately 3.5 to 4 for azurite and malachite, 7 for quartz.