Azurite from Kerrouchen, Morocco – Deep Blue Prismatic Crystals on Matrix

This Azurite specimen from Kerrouchen, Morocco shows several intensely deep blue to violet-blue Azurite crystals on a light-colored matrix. Particularly striking are the elongated crystal groups that project clearly from the host rock and partly intersect one another. The strong color contrast between the dark Azurite and the cream-colored matrix gives the specimen a very distinctive appearance.

With dimensions of 4.5 × 4.0 × 3.5 cm and a specimen weight of 70.0 g, this is a Miniature specimen. The densely arranged crystals, some of which project freely from the matrix, create a pronounced three-dimensional effect.

Long-prismatic to blade-like Azurite crystals

The Azurite crystals are predominantly long-prismatic to blade-like in habit. Several crystals occur in parallel or slightly offset groups, while individual slender crystals project distinctly beyond the surrounding mineralization.

The crystal surfaces show a distinct luster and an intense deep blue to violet-blue coloration. Under stronger illumination, the individual crystal faces, longitudinal growth structures and stepped spatial arrangement become particularly apparent.

The combination of elongated crystals, parallel intergrowths and deep blue color closely matches the appearance for which Kerrouchen Azurites are internationally known. Comparable specimens from this locality are described with prismatic, partly parallel intergrown and sometimes blade-like Azurite crystals.

Azurite from the classic Kerrouchen locality

The Azurite locality known as Kerrouchen is considered one of the classic Moroccan localities for this mineral. It is known for notable Azurite and Malachite specimens with intensely colored crystals. Mindat currently lists the historic Kerrouchen locality as Azurite workings (Kerrouchene; Kerrouchen), Boumia Pachalik, Midelt Province, Drâa-Tafilalet Region, Morocco, and notes that the famous Azurite and Malachite specimens known under the name “Kerrouchene” originate from this locality.

For the shop, however, the well-established collector locality Kerrouchen, Morocco remains the clearest and most practical designation.