Azurite
Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameAzurite
Chemical FormulaCu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorlight blue
Cleavagegood on {011}, poor on {100}
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity3.8
Colorsdark blue, azure blue, reddish-brown
Transparencytranslucent to opaque
Type LocalityBisbee, Warren District, Mule Mts, Cochise County, Arizona
Mineral Groupcarbonates
Usescopper ore, pigment, collector, minor gemstone
Associated Mineralsmalachite, native copper, cuprite, limonite
Raritycommon
Description
This specimen displays a dark, rich blue azurite, likely in a botryoidal or radiating crystalline habit, with some areas showing reddish-brown discoloration or associated iron oxides.
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 environments, resulting from the alteration of primary copper sulfides.
