Malachite replacing Azurite with Dolomite etc. (Ref: 21.1-329)

A super well-composed specimen with two main Azurite crystals one partly and one fully replaced by Malachite. Touissit is famed for its great Azurites the Malachite replacements are not as often seen. This piece with the largest crystal 3.1 CM tall dominating the matrix looks fine from all sides. No damage and very good contrast to the matrix. The largest crystal has an unaltered termination of lustrous blue Azurite, while the larger prism faces are a velvety chatoyant green Malachite. A few sharp Dolomite crystals also add contrast. At a high magnification a little Brochantite is seen along with some primary Malachite crystals, so this is certainly a complex miniature. The last operations closed in 2002 here, but the most important shafts which were the best specimen sources closed earlier. In a short period, this locality gained worldwide fame as one of the best sources of exceptional Lead and Copper minerals. These are prized today.