Characteristics of Azurite:

Chemical Name: Copper carbonate

Formula: Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2

Colors: Azure to dark blue

Structure: Monoclinic

Hardness: 3.5-4

Specific Gravity: 3.7-3.9

Refractive Index: 1.71-1.85

Lustre: Vitreous to dull earthy

Streak: Blue

Locations: France, Mexico, Australia, Chile, Russia, Morocco, Namibia, China

What is Azurite? 

Azurite is thought to have been used in blue glaze in ancient Egypt, and it was used as a blue pigment in Renaissance European art. It takes its name from the Persian lazhuward, meaning “blue”. Azurite is cut en cabochon and, in rare cases, is faceted for collectors. Spheres of radiating Azurite crystals more than 2.5cm in diameter are sometimes worn as jewelry, and slices of these are mounted in silver frame as pendants. Beaded Azurite and Malachite used for ornamental purposes is called chessylite, after Chessy, France where it was found.