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 {011}, good on {100}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.8
Colorsmidnight blue, deep blue, azure blue
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityTsumeb Mine (Tsumcorp Mine), Tsumeb, Otjikoto (Oshikoto) Region, Namibia
Mineral Groupcarbonates
Usescollector, pigment, minor gemstone
Associated Mineralsmalachite, calcite, copper minerals
Rarityuncommon
Description
A striking, large, 6.0 cm, highly lustrous, midnight-blue azurite crystal is prominently set within a dark matrix, accompanied by patches of green and yellowish-white secondary minerals.
Geological Context
Azurite is a secondary copper carbonate mineral that forms in the oxidized zones of copper ore deposits, typically resulting from the alteration of primary copper sulfides in the presence of carbon dioxide and water.
