Azurita
Azurita is a mineral with formula Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂, in the Carbonatos group. This specimen comes from Montes Kaokoveld, Kunene, Namibia.
Description
Reddish, ferruginous matrix with a small cavity lined by deep blue azurite. The crystals are concentrated in the upper cavity, with vitreous lustre and very vivid colour.
About Azurita
Azurite is a basic copper carbonate, Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂. It forms as a secondary mineral in the oxidised zones of copper deposits and is recognised by its deep blue colour, often associated with other copper minerals such as malachite, chrysocolla or shattuckite.
About the locality
The provenance indicates Kaokoveld Mountains, Kunene, Namibia, a broad provenance, not a specific mine. In the Kaokoveld/Kunene there are several documented azurite occurrences, such as Okahwa and Van der Plas Mine, as well as other copper deposits in the region.
Technical data
- Catalogue No.
- 0509
- Internal reference
- X0040
- Composition
- Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂
- Name
- Azurita
- Group
- Carbonatos
- Mine
- Montes Kaokoveld
- Province
- Kunene
- Country
- Namibia
- Etymology
- From the Persian 'lazhward' ('blue').
- Quality
- Buena
- Value trend
- Estable
Related specimens
- Abellaíta — España
- Andersonita — España
- Aragonito (Pantojo) — España
- Aragonito (Azul (Toralina)) — España
- Aragonito — Italia
- Aragonito — España
- Aragonito (Pantojo) — España
- Aragonito (Azul) — Italia