Azurite Mineral
History
Azurite is a copper carbonate mineral that has been known since ancient times. The name "azurite" comes from the Persian word "lazhward", which means blue. It was used in ancient Egypt and Greece as a pigment for painting and in jewelry making. Azurite was also used by the ancient Chinese and Native Americans for ornamental and medicinal purposes.
Discovery
Azurite is found in copper deposits worldwide, especially in areas with arid climates like Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah in the United States. It is often found in association with malachite, another copper carbonate mineral. Azurite was first described scientifically in 1824 by the French mineralogist François Sulpice Beudant.
Chemical formula & Physical Properties
| Chemical Formula | Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 |
| Color | Azure blue |
| Crystal System | Monoclinic |
| Hardness | 3.5 - 4 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Streak | Light blue |
Optical Properties
Azurite is a pleochroic mineral, which means that it shows different colors when viewed from different directions. It has a refractive index of 1.730 - 1.838 and a birefringence of 0.108 - 0.146. Azurite is also fluorescent under shortwave ultraviolet light, appearing bright green.
Uses
Azurite is a popular mineral for collectors and lapidaries due to its beautiful blue color and interesting crystal formations. It is also used as a pigment in painting, although it is not as stable as other blue pigments like ultramarine. Azurite is sometimes used in jewelry making, but it is not very durable due to its softness. In addition, azurite is sometimes used in alternative medicine for its supposed healing properties.
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