Azurita
Azurita is a mineral with formula Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂, in the Carbonatos group. This specimen comes from Kerrouchene, Caïdat de Kerrouchen, Khénifra, Béni Mellal-Khénifra, Marruecos and joined the Terrium collection in 2024.
Description
Very large, deep-blue crystals with satiny lustre on a base.
History of this specimen
I acquired it at the Salamanca Mineral Fair 2025 from Geoterraminerales.
About Azurita
A secondary copper carbonate that forms in the oxidised zones of copper deposits. Its crystals are commonly tabular or prismatic, with vitreous to silky lustre, and its deep blue colour is characteristic.
About the locality
The Kérouchène area is known for producing azurite specimens with large, well-defined, deep-coloured crystals, commonly on limonitic and goethitic matrices.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0143
- Composition
- Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂
- Name
- Azurita
- Group
- Carbonatos
- Category
- Cavella
- Matrix
- Matriz ocre
- Mine
- Kerrouchene
- District / Municipality
- Caïdat de Kerrouchen
- Province
- Khénifra
- Region
- Béni Mellal-Khénifra
- Country
- Marruecos
- Size (cm)
- 9 x 5 x 3.5
- Weight
- 170 g
- Acquired
- 2024
- Ex-collection
- Eduardo Ruiz Contreras (Geoterraminerales)
- Etymology
- From the Arabic "azur" and the Persian "lazhward", in reference to the deep blue colour.
- Quality
- Muy buena
- Value trend
- Estable
Related specimens
- Abellaíta — España
- Acantita (Paramórfica tras Argentita) — Marruecos
- Andersonita — España
- Andradita (Melanita) — Marruecos
- Apatito — Marruecos
- Aragonito (Pantojo) — España
- Aragonito (Azul (Toralina)) — España
- Aragonito — Italia