This material formed when acidic, copper-rich waters leached down into cracks and crevices in carbonate rocks. Over time, the interaction between the two formed alternating layers of blue Azurite and green Malachite.
This particular batch of rough came from a deposit in Morenci, AZ that was mined out in the 1990s. It was in a layer that was removed to reach the deeper body of copper ore. We are not aware of any current Azurite mining at Morenci.
Most of this particular material is in veins that are less than 10mm thick. These thin, dense veins produce some of the highest quality banded Azurite/Malachite in the world. The host rock that it forms on is usually left in place on the back side to help support the stone and make it thick enough to be mounted in jewelry. Veins without the solid host rock are often backed with epoxy to support the stone.
