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Azurite

General Information

Azurite is a very popular mineral because of its deep blue color called "azure," hence its name. The color is due to the presence of copper (a strong coloring agent), and the chemical combination with copper, the carbonate groups (CO3), and hydroxyls (OH). Azurite has been used as a dye for paints and fabrics for many years. However, at times its color is too deep, such that larger crystals can appear black. Small crystals and crusts show the lighter azure color well.

Malachite is very closely associated with azurite in many ways. Not only do they almost always occur together, they also have very similar formulae (a difference in structure produces the green color for malachite). Malachite can also replace azurite, making a pseudomorph, or an exact copy of an azurite crystal (only now it would be green). Azurite is used in jewelry and for dyes, as mentioned above. Fine crystal clusters, nodular specimens, and interesting and beautiful combinations with malachite are often prized pieces in anyone's mineral collection
Chemistry:
Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2, Copper Carbonite Hydroxide
Class: Carbonates Subclass: Color: Azure; Deep Blue Streak: Blue Luster: Vitreous to Dull
Transparency: Opaque Crystal System: Monoclinic Hardness: 3.5-4 Cleavage: Good in one direction, good in another Fracture: Conchoidial to Brittle Specific Gravity: 3.7
Crystal Habits: Irregular blades with wedge shaped terminations; aggregate crusts and radiating, botryoidal, nodular and earthy masses Uses: ornamental stone, pigment, minor ore of copper, jewelry, mineral specimens Associated Minerals: Limonite, Chalcopyrite, Native Copper, Calcite, Cuprite, Chrysocolla, Malachite Other Characteristics: Often intergrown with malachite Notable Occurrences: Southwestern USA; Mexico; Tsumeb; Nambia; Zaire; Morocco; Australia; Europe Best Field Indicators: Color, Softness, Crystal Habits, Associations


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