Azurite
Image: James St. John (CC BY 2.0)
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 Gravity3.8
Colorsazure blue, deep blue, light blue
Transparencytransparent to opaque
Type LocalityMorenci Mine, Arizona, USA; Chessy, France; Tsumeb, Namibia; Bisbee, Arizona, USA
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usesminor copper ore, pigment (historical), collector specimens, jewelry
Associated Mineralsmalachite, cuprite, chrysocolla, native copper, limonite
Rarityuncommon
Description
Azurite is a deep azure blue to violet-blue mineral, often found as botryoidal masses, stalactitic forms, or well-formed monoclinic crystals. In this image, it appears as a vibrant blue cementing material within a breccia.
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. It results from the alteration of primary copper sulfides in the presence of carbon dioxide and water.
