Collection Highlights
Azurite
Chemical formula: Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 (copper carbonate)
Color: Electric to very dark (almost black) blue
Hardness: Semi-soft (3.5-4)
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Occurrence: Uncommon
Health risks: None
Wow factors:
- Spectacular color not seen with many minerals!
- Usually grows with green malachite and can sometimes grow in bands with it forming unique specimens.
Care tips:
- Azurite is sensitive to high heat and humidity. Prolonged exposure to a hot and humid environment may cause the specimen to wear down and become malachite.,For this reason, do not clean with water, store in direct sunlight, or use a heated lamp to light it.
- Store in a cool, dry cabinet and clean with a blub blower.
Locality of these pieces: Unknown, but a very good possibility it was from Bisbee, Arizona which is one of the best localities for azurite in the world!
Price range: Small pieces such as azurite “Blueberries” are common and very affordable (usually less than $10). Nice thumbnails can range from $20-80 depending on the quality. Nice cabinet pieces can be quite expensive depending on color and quality. Expect large specimens to cost over $100.
Written by, cc-da-wolf
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