Brochantite crystals and Azurite crystals from the Tarma copper mining district in Peru – 1 unique flat
This diverse collection contains numerous Brochantite crystals and Azurite crystals from a historic copper mining district near Tarma, Peru. The specimens display vivid green Brochantite crystals in various habits together with contrasting blue Azurite crystals on oxidized copper ore matrix. The combination of green, blue, brown, and ochre colours gives the collection a particularly attractive appearance.
The illustrated flat is exactly the collection offered for sale. It contains numerous specimens of different sizes featuring visible Brochantite crystals, Azurite crystals, and additional copper bearing secondary minerals. Some pieces display intense green crystal coatings, others show striking blue Azurite areas or attractive transitions between both mineral species. The variety of colours and textures makes this collection an appealing addition to any mineral collection focused on oxidized copper deposits.
Geology & Origin
The Tarma region of Peru is known for numerous copper bearing mineral deposits. Within the oxidation zones of these deposits, weathering of primary copper ores produces a variety of secondary copper minerals. Brochantite commonly forms green crystal coatings, crusts, and crystal aggregates, while Azurite is one of the most recognizable copper minerals due to its characteristic deep blue colour. The association of both minerals on a single matrix is typical of oxidized copper deposits and reflects the complex geochemical processes active within the weathering zone.
Abbreviations commonly used in mineralogy.
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
| xl | single crystal, possible with matrix |
| xls | noticeable crystals |
| (xl) | embedded or damaged |
| (xls) | embedded or damaged |
| MASS | massive and/or amorphous pieces |
| TYP | type locality of the original description |
| SWUV | shortwave-UV-reaction |
| UV | ultraviolet reaction |
| SC | self-collected |
| U | unique (single unique piece) |