Milpillas azurite has set a new standard in what can be expected for the species, and for Mexico as well. For the first time since the great years of Tsumeb, truly world class azurites are available. It will not last. We have closely followed the production from the Milpillas mine for five years now, and it is expected that the steady trickle of good specimens will wind down over 2011 as the deposit is mined through the oxidation zone where the good stuff occurs. This large specimen is one of the larger fine pieces of this style that we have seen, and has an incredible horizon bursting with lustrous, deep azure blue crystals. When this pocket came out, in around 2007 if I recall, they were referred to as "Electric Blue," and all sold quickly. If we showed closeups, they would simply look like gem blue azurites blown out of proportion with fancy lighting, BUT this is indeed what they look like in person with any moderate lighting. This particular specimen has sharp crystals to 3 cm, with a central "spire" 6 cm tall shooting up in the middle, all nicely centered on malachite matrix. It is from one of the older finds here, among the earliest pieces we handled. Since that time, it has resided in a friend's collection - I have recently bought it back and trimmed it to a smaller, more balanced size as seen here. Joe Budd photos.