Malbunka Copper Mine, Areyonga, Northern Territory, Australia

We’re very excited to present a new find this month! These amazing azurite sun-shaped discs are quite exceptional. Gold-level and Platinum-level specimens will be on the kaolinitic siltstone matriz they crystallized on. This will be a special month!

The word “Azurite” stems from the Persian lazhuward, meaning “heaven” or “blue”, alluding to the mineral’s blue color. Our specimens certainly emphasize this deep blue color as they are on a nearly white matrix. Azurite is a basic copper carbonate. It is characterized by vitreous, brilliant luster.

The Malbunka Copper Mine has never produced copper ore and is only mined for mineral specimens. Our azurite specimens formed within layers of kaolin clay and consist of crystal clusters in the very unusual shape of disk-like ‘suns’ and semi-spherical nodules. After mining, each specimen is subjected to a carefully controlled water spray that wears away the soft clay to expose the azurite.

Since antiquity, azurite has served as a blue paint pigment. Medieval physicians prescribed powdered azurite to alleviate ailments of the throat, spleen, and spine, and believed that azurite could ease pulmonary and bronchial congestion.

Modern metaphysical practitioners believe that azurite helps to identify and dispense with unwanted past beliefs and open the mind to higher levels of intellectual receptivity.