“Blueberry” Azurite Rosettes with Malachite and Calcite – Bou Nahas Mine, Morocco – 0.12 lbs

A distinctive “Blueberry” Azurite specimen from the Bou Nahas Mine near Oumjrane, Morocco, featuring rounded azurite rosettes associated with green malachite and contrasting calcite. Its compact three-dimensional formation combines intense copper-mineral color with multiple textures, making it an appealing small-cabinet display and an unusual example from this Moroccan locality.

The azurite occurs as densely grouped rosettes composed of numerous radiating crystal blades. Their rounded outlines and saturated blue coloration inspire the informal “Blueberry Azurite” trade name. Depending on the lighting and viewing angle, the azurite may shift from brilliant royal blue and electric blue to deeper navy across recessed or densely crystallized areas.

Green malachite appears alongside and between portions of the azurite, providing a natural complementary contrast. Pale calcite adds lighter cream-to-colorless accents that help separate the darker copper-mineral formations and reveal additional depth within the cluster. These associated minerals record changing conditions during the oxidation and secondary mineralization of the original copper deposit.

Measuring approximately 2 × 1.5 × 3 inches and weighing 0.12 pounds, this specimen offers strong color, complex rosette growth, and excellent mineral association in a compact format. “Blueberry” is a descriptive collector term based on the rounded appearance of the azurite and is not a separate mineral species or formally recognized azurite variety.

Specifications

Primary Mineral: Azurite

Associated Minerals: Malachite and calcite

Trade Name: “Blueberry” Azurite

Formation: Rounded azurite rosettes with associated malachite and calcite

Locality: Bou Nahas Mine, Oumjrane area, Morocco

Weight: 0.12 lbs, approximately 54 grams

Dimensions: Approximately 2 × 1.5 × 3 inches

Color: Royal blue, electric blue, deep navy, emerald green, pale cream, and colorless-to-white accents

Azurite Habit: Rounded rosettes and radiating aggregates composed of bladed crystals

Malachite: Green secondary copper mineral occurring with the azurite

Calcite: Pale contrasting crystals and mineralized areas within the formation

Luster: Vitreous across crystalline azurite and calcite; silky-to-vitreous across the malachite

Transparency: Predominantly opaque, with possible translucent edges across thinner crystals

Chemical Formulas: Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂ for azurite; Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂ for malachite; CaCO₃ for calcite

Display Size: Small cabinet specimen

Condition: Natural mineral specimen with inherent crystal contacts, incomplete rosettes, edge irregularities, cavities, surface deposits, mineral staining, and extraction-related contacts

Exact specimen shown

About “Blueberry” Azurite

Azurite and malachite are secondary copper-carbonate minerals that form within the oxidized portions of copper deposits. Azurite produces the specimen’s intense blue coloration, while malachite contributes contrasting green mineralization. Calcite represents an additional stage of crystallization within the deposit.

Azurite rosettes develop when numerous bladed crystals radiate outward from shared growth centers. Dense, rounded aggregates may resemble clusters of berries, leading collectors and dealers to describe this habit informally as “Blueberry Azurite.”

Azurite is sensitive to abrasion, prolonged moisture, acids, and harsh cleaners. Handle the specimen by its strongest supporting area and remove dust only with a soft, dry brush or gentle air blower.

Collector Notes

This specimen features:

• Natural azurite from the Bou Nahas Mine, Morocco
• Rounded “blueberry-style” azurite rosettes
• Radiating bladed crystal growth
• Saturated royal-blue to deep-navy coloration
• Associated green malachite
• Contrasting pale calcite
• Three-mineral copper-deposit association
• Strong blue, green, and cream color contrast
• Compact 3-inch collector size
• Multiple textures and recessed growth areas
• Exact specimen pictured

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You will receive the exact specimen shown.
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