Azurite
Image: Photo by and (c)2015 Derek Ramsey (Ram-Man) (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}, poor on {100}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity3.77
Colorsazure blue, deep blue, dark blue
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityGuangdong Province, China
Mineral Groupcarbonates
Usescopper ore, pigment, collector specimens, minor gemstone
Associated Mineralsmalachite, cuprite, chrysocolla, native copper, limonite, calcite
Rarityuncommon
Description
This specimen features a dense cluster of deep azure blue azurite crystals, exhibiting sharp, blocky to tabular forms with a distinct vitreous luster.
Geological Context
Azurite is a secondary copper mineral that forms in the oxidized zone of copper ore deposits, typically in arid or semi-arid regions, resulting from the alteration of primary copper minerals.
