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monoclinicuncommoncarbonates

Azurite

Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂

This specimen features vibrant deep blue azurite crystals, often intergrown with or partially altered to green malachite, and possibly stained by reddish-brown iron oxides.

Azurite Physical Properties

Mohs Hardness

3.5

Crystal System

monoclinic

Luster

vitreous

Streak Color

light blue

Cleavage

good on {011}, poor on {100}

Fracture

conchoidal

Specific Gravity

3.8

Colors

azure blue, deep blue, light blue

Transparency

transparent

Type Locality

Tsumeb (Namibia), Chessy (France), Bisbee (Arizona, USA)

Mineral Group

carbonates

Uses

collector, pigment, minor copper ore

Associated Minerals

malachite, iron oxides, cuprite, chrysocolla

Rarity

uncommon

Geological Context

Azurite is a secondary copper carbonate mineral that forms in the oxidized zone of copper ore deposits, typically in arid or semi-arid regions, through the alteration of primary copper sulfides.

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Related Specimens

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Crocoite

Galena

Boracite

Glauberite