Azurite is a copper carbonate mineral found in the oxidation zones of copper deposits and is considered a secondary ore of copper. Color ranges from light to dark blue, with medium to dark blue being more common. The intensity of its hues is what makes azurite a popular collector's stone. Azurite is commonly found in conjunction with malachite, a green copper carbonate mineral into which it slowly morphs. A mix of the two minerals is known as azurmalachite. Azurite is soft (3.5 on Mohs' scale) and opaque. When used in jewelry, it is usually seen in the form of cabochons or beads.
| Common Name | Azurite |
| Species | Azurite |
| Transparency | Semitranslucent - Opaque |
| Refractive Index |
Over The Limit 1.730-1.836 Tolerance:(+0.010/-0.010) |
| Birefringence | 0.106 |
| Optic Character | Biaxial |
| Optic Sign | Positive |
| Polariscope Reaction | Aggregate (AGG), Doubly Refractive (DR) |
| Fluorescence |
SWUV: Inert LWUV: Inert |
| Pleochroism | Dichroic, moderate to strong dark blue and lighter blue |
| Hardness | 3.5-4 |
| Streak | Light Blue |
| Specific Gravity | 3.700-3.890 Typical:3.800 |
| Toughness | Poor |
| Inclusions | Azurite sometimes displays botryoidial structure often with matrix and malachite inclusions. |
| Luster | Vitreous, Waxy |
| Stability | Poor |
| Fracture | Conchoidal, Uneven |
| Cleavage | Perfect, in one direction |
| Chemical Name | copper carbonate hydroxide |
| Chemical Formula | Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 |
| Crystal System | Monoclinic |
| Chemistry Classification | Carbonate |
Blue Chessy Copper, Chessylite, Azure Stone
Afghanistan; Pakistan; United States of America (the); Morocco; Unknown; China; Namibia; Russian Federation (the); Mexico; Australia; Serbia; Peru
The name azurite comes from its color of azure. The opaque blue of azurite is so perfectly blue it was used centuries ago by painters for blue pigment. Azurite is often found growing with malachite. Each is lovely in its own right, but together they are exceptional. Azurite is a 3 ½ - 4 on the Mohs scale. It's a desirable stone for collectors and is often used decoratively as it is naturally artful. When it's found in granite matrix (the rock in which it forms), it's a compelling blend of blue and white, often with whispers of black and gray.
The ancient Egyptians, who were highly creative, believed azurite was an aid to spiritual communication. Azurite has been used, worn, and enjoyed for thousands of years. In contemporary folklore, we read that some people believe it helps to reduce anger. When in matrix, azurite almost looks like an undiscovered planet of icy mountains, and deep blue seas.
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This page was created on June 27, 2014.
This page was last edited on October 24, 2019.
