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