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
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityChessy-les-Mines, Rhône, Rhône-Alpes, France
Mineral Groupcarbonates
Usespigment, minor copper ore, collector, jewelry
Associated Mineralsmalachite, native copper, cuprite, limonite, calcite, quartz
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen displays deep azure blue azurite crystals forming botryoidal and crystalline aggregates, with a distinct silvery metallic mineral prominently featured on its upper surface.
Geological Context
Azurite is a secondary copper mineral formed in the oxidized zone of copper ore deposits, typically found in arid and semi-arid regions where copper-bearing rocks are exposed to weathering.
