Azurite Raw

Azurite Raw

Azurite is a striking blue carbonate mineral that has been prized for its beauty since ancient times. It forms in the oxidized zones of copper ore deposits, where copper minerals undergo weathering and alteration in the presence of oxygen-rich groundwater. Azurite commonly occurs alongside other secondary copper minerals such as malachite, cuprite, and chrysocolla.

Azurite is found in various geological environments around the world, including copper mines, sedimentary rock formations, and hydrothermal veins. Some notable sources of azurite include Arizona (USA), Mexico, Namibia, Morocco, Australia, and France. The finest and most intensely colored specimens often come from the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona and New Mexico.

The most distinctive feature of azurite is its vibrant blue color, which can vary from sky blue to deep navy blue. The intensity of the color is influenced by the concentration of copper ions in the crystal lattice, with higher concentrations resulting in darker shades of blue. Some specimens may exhibit color zoning or banding, with alternating lighter and darker zones.

Azurite typically forms as prismatic or tabular crystals with a monoclinic crystal structure. These crystals often exhibit well-defined faces and sharp edges, with a characteristic blocky or pseudo-cubic shape. Azurite crystals may occur singly or in aggregates, and they can range in size from microscopic to several centimeters in length.

Azurite crystals are usually translucent to opaque, meaning that they allow some light to pass through but are not fully transparent. The degree of transparency depends on factors such as crystal size, clarity, and the presence of impurities. In some cases, azurite may appear more translucent when backlit or when viewed under diffused lighting.

Azurite has a vitreous to silky luster, giving it a smooth and reflective surface appearance. The luster may vary depending on the crystal's surface finish and the presence of microscopic crystal growth patterns or inclusions. Some specimens may exhibit a velvety or fibrous texture due to the presence of microscopic crystals aligned in parallel orientations.

Azurite often occurs alongside other copper minerals such as malachite, cuprite, and chrysocolla, forming striking combinations of blue and green colors. These mineral associations are commonly found in copper ore deposits and are prized by collectors for their aesthetic appeal and geological significance.

Overall, azurite's rich blue color, distinctive crystal habit, and associations with other copper minerals make it a sought-after specimen among mineral collectors, lapidaries, and enthusiasts of natural history and geology. Its beauty and rarity have earned it a place in jewelry, ornamental carvings, and decorative objects throughout history.

Chakra: Third Eye, Crown
Zodiac: Sagittarius 
Vibrational Number: 6
Mohs Scale: 3.5-4

This is a “random selection” listing. You will not receive the exact item photographed in the listing, but one that has been intuitively chosen for you. The size, shape and colour may vary slightly. Price is per 1 item.