| Azurite | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Uses | Azurite uses include: minor ore of copper, gemstone, ornamental stone. |
| Color | azure blue |
| Streak | light blue |
| Luster | vitreous |
| Diaphaneity | transparent to translucent |
| Cleavage | prismatic, perfect |
| Luster | vitreous |
| Hardness | 3.5 - 4 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.8 - 4.0 |
| Distinguishing Characteristics | vivid blue color, effervescence in HCl |
| Crystal System | monoclinic |
| Chemical Classification | carbonate |
| Chemical Composition | copper carbonate - Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 |
Azurite is a mineral that has quite a range of blue colors that usually is found growing with Copper. If Azurite is polished very well, then it will become transparent, but otherwise it is not. Many people all over the world actually use ground up Azurite powder as a pigment, and many collectors want this rock because of the dazzlingly bright color it has. Azurite is very similar to Malachite.
A deep blue copper carbonate, azurite serves as a minor ore of copper. It is also a popular gem and ornamental stone because of its blue color. Azurite's low hardness limits its use as a gem and as an ornamental stone. It is often found in association with malachite in the oxidized zone above copper deposits.
