Azurite
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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
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityTsumeb (Namibia), Chessy (France), Bisbee (Arizona, USA)
Mineral Groupcarbonates
Usescollector, minor copper ore, pigment
Associated Mineralsmalachite, chrysocolla, cuprite, native copper
Rarityuncommon
Description
Azurite is a deep blue copper carbonate mineral, often found as prismatic crystals, botryoidal masses, or earthy coatings. It is frequently found in association with green malachite.
Geological Context
Azurite is a secondary mineral formed in the oxidized zone of copper ore deposits, resulting from the alteration of primary copper sulfides in the presence of carbon dioxide and water.
