2.6" Sparkling Azurite Crystals on Chrysocolla - Laos

Azurite and malachite often form in union with each other since their chemical makeup is very similar. In fact, the presence of more or less water in the location of formation is enough to determine whether an abundance of malachite over azurite, or vice-versa, will accumulate.

These minerals tend to be found near copper deposits, which accounts for the colors the minerals display. This association of azurite and malachite on a copper-rich iron oxide matrix was found in Laos.

Chrysocolla is a basic copper silicate that typically forms as a pseudomorph following other copper based minerals. The chemical formula is considered undetermined due to the varying substitutions of elements and water content in its chemical structure. However, there is a form of chrysocolla with an identifiable chemical formula of Cu2H2Si2O5(OH)4 that can be found in microcrystals.

Regularly, chrysocolla will form as botryoidal lumps and spheres, rarely forming visible crystals. It can also form in both solid and fibrous veins, over fibrous minerals, and in crusts. Known for its sharp and vibrant coloring, chrysocolla can display a wide variety of colors such as bluish-green, bright green, light blue, to even sometimes multicolored specimens depending on the atmosphere present during formation.