Azurite

A secondary copper mineral frequently found in the oxidized zones of Cu-bearing ore deposits. Azurite is typically found as tabular to prismatic crystals of a deep "azure blue" color with splendent vitreous faces. There are over 45 well-known forms, and over 100 forms have been described. Azurite is often pseudomorphed to Malachite, and the two are very frequently found together. Azurite may be confused with (the very rare) Mrázekite. For discussion on type locality, see http://www.mindat.org/mesg-7-379912.html

History

Activities related to discovery and approval of the group members

Structural context

Azurite
Crystal System monoclinicSpace Group P21/c
a5.0095—5.011 (5.0101)
b5.8455—5.85 (5.8476)
c10.3441—10.353 (10.3476)
alpha90
beta92.41—92.447 (92.4257)
gamma90
volume302.636—303.223 (302.883)

Based on 3 measurements

Chemical context

Stoichiometric formulas

Azurite
mindat.org
  • March 13, 2023Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2
IMA
  • March 13, 2023Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2
mineralogy.rocks
  • Aug. 30, 2022Cu2+3(CO3)2(OH)2

Elements recorded on EPMA

3
C
3
Cu
3
H
3
O

Physical properties

ColorColor entities, recognized using a custom trained NER model
  • azure blue
  • light blue
  • dark blue
  • light blue
Color noteOriginal color note from the source
Azure blue, blue, light blue, or dark blue; light blue in transmitted light
StreakStreak entities, recognized using a custom trained NER model
  • light blue
Streak noteOriginal streak note from the source
Light blue
Lustre
Vitreous
Fracture
Conchoidal
Transparency
Transparent
Translucent
Luminescence
None
Tenacity
brittle
Hardness
3.5—4
Calculated density
3.834