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
Cleavagegood on {011}, poor on {100} and {110}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.8
Colorsdeep blue, azure blue, midnight blue
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityTsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine), Tsumeb, Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Namibia
Mineral Groupcarbonates
Usescollector, pigment, minor copper ore
Associated Mineralsmalachite, cuprite, native copper, chrysocolla
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen features a lustrous, sharp, and complete midnight-blue azurite crystal, exhibiting a prismatic habit with some faces showing a metallic-like sheen. Smaller, brighter blue azurite crystals are also visible on its surface.
Geological Context
Azurite is a secondary copper mineral formed in the oxidized zone of copper ore deposits, typically found in arid or semi-arid regions where it results from the alteration of primary copper sulfides.
