Azurite
Image: Seldonsan (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameAzurite
Chemical FormulaCu3(CO3)2(OH)2
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorlight blue
Cleavagegood in one direction
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.8
Colorsdeep blue, azure blue
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityTsumeb, Namibia
Mineral Groupcarbonates
Usescollector's mineral, minor copper ore, pigment
Associated Mineralsmalachite, chrysocolla, cuprite, limonite
Rarityuncommon
Description
A striking deep blue copper carbonate mineral, often forming botryoidal or bladed crystals, typically found in oxidized zones of copper deposits.
Geological Context
Azurite is a secondary mineral formed in the oxidized zones of copper ore deposits, resulting from the alteration of primary copper minerals by carbonic acid solutions in the presence of carbonate rocks.
