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Azurite
Azurite - Mineral Properties and Uses |
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What is Azurite? |
Azurite is a deep blue copper carbonate. It serves as a minor ore of copper. It is also a popular gem and ornamental stone because of its blue color. Azurite's low hardness limits its use as a gem and as an ornamental stone. It is often found in association with malachite in the oxidized zone above copper deposits. |
Uses |
Azurite uses include: minor ore of copper, gemstone, ornamental stone. |
Color |
azure blue |
Streak |
light blue |
Luster |
vitreous |
Diaphaneity |
transparent to translucent |
Cleavage |
prismatic, perfect |
Hardness |
3.5 - 4 |
Specific Gravity |
3.8 - 4.0 |
Distinguishing
Characteristics |
vivid blue color, effervescence in HCl |
Crystal System |
monoclinic |
Chemical Classification |
carbonate |
Chemical Composition |
copper carbonate - Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 |
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Azurite from Tintic, Utah.
Specimen is approximately 4 inches (10 centimeters) across.
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Azurite and malachite from Morenci, Arizona cut as freeform cabochons.
Each piece is approximately 13 millimeters by 18 millimeters.
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Azurite and malachite from Morenci, Arizona cut as a freeform cabochon.
This gemstone is approximately 27 millimeters by 23 millimeters.
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More Information About Minerals!
Mineral photographs that appear on this page with a Geology.com copyright mark are property of Geology.com and may not be used beyond our website. If you like these photos and would like to share them with others please link to this page or email its URL. The photos were taken and composed by Ann Bryant.
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