An imposing specimen of upright azurite crystals stacked together in parallel, to form a tower of deep blue, sharp crystals rising about 7 inches tall. The largest crystal atop is sharp, robust, and 3-dimensional. The piece is very 3-dimensional, with sidecar crystals shooting out of the lower portion, crossing the piece from left to right and adding depth. 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.Joe Budd photos.