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Brochantite and Atacamite on Chrysocolla
馃搷Los Azules Mine, Quebrada San Miguel, Copiap贸 Province, Atacama Region, Chile 馃嚚馃嚤
Dimensions: 79 / 45 / 31 mm
This superb specimen from the Los Azules Mine, located in the Quebrada San Miguel area of the Copiap贸 Province, Chile, showcases an exceptional copper mineral association formed under the extreme arid conditions of the Atacama Desert鈥檚 supergene oxidation zone. The main vug features sharp, lustrous atacamite and brochantite crystals richly distributed across a vivid blue chrysocolla matrix. The glassy luster, intense coloration, and fine crystal definition make for a striking display. Smaller vugs scattered across the surface contain additional microcrystal clusters, adding depth and strong three-dimensional character to the piece.
Such mineral assemblages typically form in the supergene enrichment zones of copper deposits in arid climates, where copper ions react with chloride and sulfate-bearing fluids during oxidation to precipitate secondary copper minerals such as atacamite and brochantite, as seen here.
According to records from the Chilean Geological and Mining Service (SERNAGEOMIN), the Los Azules Mine remained intermittently active as of 2014, though production has since declined sharply. Specimens of this quality have become increasingly scarce in recent years.
In person, the colors are even more vibrant than photographs can capture. For collectors, this is an outstanding and representative piece from a locality that has become both classic and increasingly rare.
