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}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.77
Colorsazure blue, deep blue, light blue
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityBisbee, Warren District, Mule Mts, Cochise County, Arizona
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usespigment, minor copper ore, collector, jewelry
Associated Mineralsmalachite, cuprite, native copper, goethite, limonite, chrysocolla, quartz
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen displays a vibrant, deep azure blue mineral with a botryoidal to mammillary habit, forming rounded, textured masses. The color varies slightly from a darker, intense blue to a lighter blue-green hue in some areas.
Geological Context
Azurite is a secondary copper carbonate mineral that forms in the oxidized zone of copper ore deposits. It typically occurs in arid regions where primary copper sulfides are altered by carbonated waters.
