Azurite-Malachite
Image: Olaf Kosinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0 de)
Mineral NameAzurite-Malachite
Chemical FormulaAzurite: Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂; Malachite: Cu₂(CO₃)(OH)₂
Mohs Hardness3.5
Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Streak Colorlight blue (azurite), light green (malachite)
Cleavagegood in one direction (azurite), perfect in one direction (malachite)
Fractureconchoidal/uneven
Specific Gravity3.8
Colorsdeep blue, vibrant green, brown
Transparencyopaque
Type LocalityBisbee, Arizona, USA
Mineral GroupCarbonates
Usesjewelry, ornamental objects, pigment, collector specimens, minor copper ore
Associated Mineralscuprite, native copper, chrysocolla, limonite
Rarityuncommon
Description
Rough specimens displaying a striking intergrowth of deep blue azurite and vibrant green malachite, often forming distinct patches on a brownish matrix.
Geological Context
These secondary copper carbonate minerals form in the oxidized zones of copper ore deposits, resulting from the alteration of primary copper minerals by carbonated waters.
