Part I: Electric Blues from the Milpillas Mine
Many mineral experts do consider Milpillas azurite the best ever found. Many of these amazing specimens are a brilliant, electricblue color. The varieties of azurite found there span the full range of monoclinic crystal forms, and crystals occur in sizes that can be over 4 inches in length. Virtually all the azurites from this mine are brilliantly lustrous; they are not etched or dulled by a distracting mineral coating.
Huge pockets lined with worldclass azurite crystals were common in this mine, and many of them were named. The azurites were not found on a dull, brown matrix, but on gorgeous, green, velvety malachite, on contrasting white clay, or on lightgray volcanic breccia. No wonder it has caused such excitement in the mineral world! This mine has only been operating for less than two decades.
The Milpillas deposit, whose existence was predicted in 1975, was explored through drilling in the 1980s and 1990s, and was proved feasible in 2002. Actual mining starting in 2006, and within a year the sheer beauty, variety, quantity, and overall quality of the azurite crystal specimens earned this mine the status of a worldclass source.
Denne historien er fra January 2018-utgaven av Rock&Gem Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra January 2018-utgaven av Rock&Gem Magazine.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
THE BRIGHT SIDE OF VOLCANIC ROCK
As a mineral resource, volcanic rock is decidedly short on glamour.
The Other Copper Minerals
12 Lesser-known Collectible Species
MINERAL COLLECTING -AND ROCK & GEM
Evolving Together FOR 54 YEARS
Gemstone Trends
A Look Back at 2024 & What to Expect in 2025
How to Make a GEM BEAD NECKLACE
No Lapidary Experience Needed!
Framing Nature's Art
Faceting Rutilated Quartz for Beginners
BEDAZZLED BLUE SEAM AGATE
More than several centuries ago, mining was the profession most often seen as befitting of men.
ROCK & GEM FIELD GUIDE:
Spinel is a captivating gemstone with a rich history of being mistaken for gems like ruby and sapphire.
SNAKE SCALE DROP 1.5:1
This Faceting Focus is revisiting the briolette gemstone design because of its popularity with independent and hobby gemstone faceters.
STONE CHIC
How Earth-Inspired Decor Brings Comfort to our Home