Mineral
Azurita
Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂ · Carbonatos
Azurite is a basic copper carbonate, Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂, that forms as a secondary mineral in the oxidation zone of copper deposits.
It is recognised by its intense blue colour. Crystals are commonly tabular or prismatic, with vitreous to silky lustre. It also forms radiating aggregates when it crystallises in open spaces with a continued supply of copper-rich solutions. From an initial nucleus the growth expands outward to produce compact rosettes or 'flowers', a habit less common than prismatic or tabular crystals.
It is found with malachite, calcite, barite or cerussite, and also with chrysocolla or shattuckite. At Kerrouchene, radiating growths are documented, and specimens are appreciated for the purity of the blue and the individual development of the crystals. It shows varied crystal habit.
Etymology
From Persian 'lazhward' (blue).
Specimens in the collection (9)
- Azurita — Kerrouchene, Caïdat de Kerrouchen, Khénifra, Béni Mellal-Khénifra, Marruecos № 0004
- Azurita — Touissit-Bou Bekker, Oujda-Angad, Jerada, Oriental, Marruecos № 0009
- Azurita — Kerrouchene, Caïdat de Kerrouchen, Khénifra, Béni Mellal-Khénifra, Marruecos № 0143
- Azurita — Kerrouchene, Caïdat de Kerrouchen, Khénifra, Béni Mellal-Khénifra, Marruecos № 0153
- Azurita — Liufengshan Mine, Guichi, Chizhou, Anhui, China № 0356
- Azurita (Soles) — Mina de cobre Malbunka, Areyonga, Territorio del Norte, Australia № 0358
- Azurita (en Roseta) — Kerrouchen, Caïdat de Kerrouchen, Khénifra, Béni Mellal-Khénifra, Marruecos № 0381
- Azurita — Bédar, Almería, Andalucía, España № 0504
- Azurita — Montes Kaokoveld, Kunene, Namibia № 0509