Azurite
Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameAzurite
Chemical FormulaCu3(CO3)2(OH)2
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorlight blue
Cleavageperfect on {021}, good on {110}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.8
Colorsdeep blue, azure blue, indigo blue
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityBisbee, Warren District, Mule Mts, Cochise County, Arizona
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usespigment, minor copper ore, collector, jewelry
Associated Mineralsmalachite, native copper, cuprite, chrysocolla, limonite
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen displays a rich, deep blue color with a botryoidal or mammillary texture, composed of countless tiny azurite crystals, with some minor green malachite visible.
Geological Context
Azurite is a secondary copper mineral formed in the oxidized zone of copper ore deposits, typically found above the water table where copper-bearing solutions react with carbonate rocks.
