Azurite

 

 

Consumer Information

 

What color is it?: Blue.

 

What is the story behind this gemstone?: A sister stone to malachite this beautiful blue gemstone is a form of oxidized copper. It rarely forms in transparent crystals as shown at top.

 

Can I wear it everyday?: Yes. Azurite is a long wearing stone in carved pieces and beads.

 

Is it expensive?:No. It is priced at about the same price level as malachite.

 

Is it a birthstone?: No.

 

What do I need to know before going shopping?: Not much. Azurite will give you a beautiful blue look at a much lower price than natural lapis lazuli. Of course, if you are shopping for lapis lazuli make sure you are not being sold azurite. Beyond that there is not much to worry about.

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General Information

Beads of combination malachite and azurite strung with malachite and lapis lazuli beads

Source: Found in copper mines world wide

 

Chemical: Cu2(CO)3 OH2

 

Formation: Azurite forms from oxidation of copper ore deposits

 

Crystal System: Monoclinic

 

Unusual Properties: None

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Gemological Information

 

RI: 1.720 - 1.838

 

Birefringence: .108

 

Optic Character: B+

 

Specific Gravity: 3.8 + -

 

Hardness: 4

 

Transparency: TP-Opaque

 

Special Identifying Properties and Tests: As shown in the photo above sometimes azurite and malachite grow together. This is

the only mineral that will form with this color combination

 

Synthetics: None

 

Imitations: Various

 Gemological information on this page has been provided by the

International School of Gemology.