Azurite Gemstone & Information | Gemopedia by JTV | Gemopedia™
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.
Colors
Dark Blue To Violet Blue
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Azurite classification
CommonNameAzuriteSpeciesAzuriteVarietyColorsDark Blue To Violet BlueAlternateNamesChessy Copper, Chessylite, Azure StoneGemstoneGroupsKeySeparationsRI, birefringence blink, appearanceClassificationCommentsMisnomers : blue malachite, copper lapis -
Azurite chemistry & crystallography
ChemicalNamecopper carbonate hydroxideChemicalFormulaCu3(CO3)2(OH)2SynthesisCrystalSystemMonoclinicChemistryClassificationCarbonateNatureNaturalCrystallinityCrystalline to AggregateChemistryComments -
Azurite optical properties
TransparencySemitranslucent - OpaqueDispersionOpticalCommentsRefractiveIndexOver The Limit 1.73-1.836
Tolerance:(+0.010/-0.010)Birefringence0.106OpticCharacterBiaxialOpticSignPositivePolariscopeReactionDoubly Refractive (DR)FluorescenceSWUV: Inert
LWUV: InertCCFReactionPleochroismDichroic, moderate to strong dark blue and lighter blue -
Azurite characteristic physical properties
Hardness3.5-4CharacteristicCommentsStreakLight BlueSpecificGravity3.7-3.89 Typical:3.8ToughnessPoorInclusionsAzurite sometimes displays botryoidial structure often with matrix and malachite inclusions.LusterVitreousStabilityPoorFractureConchoidal, UnevenCleavagePerfect, in one direction