Azurite

Named for its intense coloring, Azurite is so essentially blue that it has been used as a pigment for centuries. The name azurite comes from its beautiful blue color (azul means blue in Arabic). The ancient Egyptians used it as a make-up for the eyes and to this day it is used to manufacture fine quality artist’s paints. The color is due to the presence of copper (a strong coloring agent), and the way the copper chemically combines with the carbonate groups (CO3) and hydroxyls (OH). Chemically, Azurite is Copper Carbonate Hydroxide Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2.

Azurite commonly alters chemically, in the process of pseudomorphisis, to Malachite, its green cousin, and the two variants are often found within the one stone creating beautiful blue/green patterns. A rarer Azurite mixture, known as "Bluebird", is Azurite mixed with dark red Cuprite. Azurite, "Azure-malachite", and "Bluebird" all have gem uses.
 

Malachite is closely associated with azurite in many ways. Not only do they frequently 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 very popular among collectors, and is highly in demand. Bright blue pieces are cut into cabochons and beads, and large masses are sometimes cut into ornamental objects. "Azure-malachite" is carved as cabochons and beads.

Fine Azurite specimens are found in numerous places. The largest crystals found to date have come from Tsumeb, Namibia (some massive works are part of the collection in Moscow at the Hermitage Museum). Good specimens also come from Chessy, France; Laurium, Greece; the Black Forest, Germany; Cornwall, England; Burra Burra, South Australia and Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia. In Mexico it occurs in the San Carlos Mine in Mazapil, Zacatecas. In the U.S., from numerous localities in Arizona, but the leading locality by quality and quantity is by far Bisbee, Cochise Co. It is also found in New Mexico and Utah.

Azurite is brittle, transparent and the chips are thin. This mineral is transparent if in thin crystals, otherwise it’s translucent to opaque. The hardness value is only 3.5 - 4 ­ it can be scratched with a knife. Specific Gravity is 3.7+.

Azurite is believed to illuminate the mind by clearing it of subconscious thoughts. People believe it can help those who want to understand their fears and desires better. Some believe it gives the wearer visionary powers. It’s also used to help people evaluate past beliefs and dissolve the unwanted beliefs. Some say this mineral will make you more creative.

Some noted medicinal uses are to help heal the throat, spleen and spine. Some believe it’s wise to place a piece of azurite on a part of the body where there is a feeling of congestion or blockage. Further, azurite is said to fortify the memory and enhance intellectual receptivity. One of the most common uses for this mineral is to ease the pain of rheumatism. Maybe this could be due to its close relationship with copper.

Azurite-malachite is occasionally coated with colorless wax, or rarely impregnated with plastic and/or other hardening agents to improve durability and appearance. Linarite specimens are sometimes mistakenly sold as Azurite, since they both occur in the same locations and may strikingly resemble each other. However, simple tests on physical properties can accurately distinguish the two.