Azurite

Mineral specimens from the Yauricocha Mine are exceptionally rare, as this underground polymetallic deposit, opened in 1948, is one of the few Peruvian localities with an oxidation zone. As a result, secondary copper minerals such as azurite and malachite are highly uncommon in Peru. This specimen is particularly impressive, featuring vibrant electric-blue microcrystals densely filling sculptural vugs within a hefty limonite matrix. The Yauricocha Mine was originally developed by the Cerro de Pasco Corporation, later nationalized, and then acquired by Sociedad Minera Corona in 2002. In 2011, Sierra Metals, Inc. purchased an 88% interest in the mine. The property includes Mina Central, which exploits a series of carbonate-replacement orebodies and veins, including Pozo Rico, Catas, and Cuye. The principal ore minerals at Yauricocha are galena, sphalerite, enargite, chalcopyrite, bornite, covellite, and native gold. However, azurite and malachite remain exceptionally rare from this or any other Peruvian polymetallic deposit, making this specimen a remarkable and sought-after find.

This specimen holds historical significance, as it was gifted to Dr. Peter Tarassoff in 1959 by then-mine engineer M. Krukar.

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