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Gemstone Crystal System Density Hardness Refractive index Treatments
Azurite
monoclinic 3.7-3.8 3.5-4.0 1.730-1.838 none

 

 

 

 

azurite

Color:
Blue (in the beginning)

Clarity: Type I
Optic Character:
DR Biaxial Positive; AGG
Cause of Color: Copper
Fluorescence: Inert
Fracture : Concoidal to uneven
Luster : Vitreous to resinous
Cleavage :
2 directions:perfect to distinct
Durability: Poor

Characteristics for Identification:
Botryoidal structure; Light blue streak

Locations:
Associated with copper deposits world wide.

Azurite

Cu2(CO)3 OH2

Azurite forms directly from the oxidation of copper ore. Azurite (blue) and malachite (green) are often found together because azurite tends to alter into malachite. Because of azurite's intense blue color, it was once used as a pigment for oil paints. Unfortunately, time has caused those originally blue skies and bodies of water to go decidedly green. In ancient Egypt, azurite paint was used by temple priests to paint and decorate the Third Eye on their foreheads believing that it increased their powers. The ancient Chinese revered azurite as the Stone of Heaven, able to open spiritual doorways.

Azurite may be confused with:
Benitoite
Lapis Lazuli
Azurmalachite

azurite