by Eric Greene
Outstanding azurite crystals and malachite pseudomorphs from the Milpillas copper mine, 30 km NW of Cananea, in Cuitaca, Mun. de Santa Cruz, Sonora, Mexico, began appearing on the mineral market in 2006. At their best, the specimens from this new classic locale are right up there with the best crystals from Bisbee and Morenci, Arizona or Tsumeb, Namibia. Three different minerals from this mine have captivated the mineral market: electric blue azurites; velvety, dark green malachite pseudomorphs (replacements) after azurite; and brilliant green brochantite in long, slender, acicular crystals.






