Azurite
Image: Ivar Leidus (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Mineral NameAzurite
Chemical FormulaCu3(CO3)2(OH)2
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorlight blue
Cleavagegood on {011}, distinct on {100}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.77
Colorsblue, dark blue
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityNew Nevada Lode, La Sal, Utah, USA
Mineral Groupcarbonates
Usespigment, minor copper ore, collector, jewelry
Associated Mineralsmalachite, chrysocolla, cuprite, native copper
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen features a vibrant cluster of deep blue, sharp azurite crystals covering a matrix, with minor green malachite visible on the edges. The crystals exhibit a distinct vitreous luster.
Geological Context
Azurite is a secondary copper carbonate mineral formed in the oxidized zones of copper ore deposits, typically in arid or semi-arid regions. It often forms in association with malachite, its hydrated counterpart, through the alteration of primary copper sulfides.
