Azurite

Azurite is a carbonate mineral with chemical composition Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂, (copper carbonate hydroxide). Azurite is often found in association with the green mineral malachite as a result of the weathering and oxidation of copper sulfide minerals.

The name azurite comes from the Arabic word for blue. Azurite is used in jewelry and also collected as a beautiful mineral specimen.

Use as a pigment

Azurite has been used as a blue mineral pigment for centuries. It was originally known as Azurro Della Magna. When mixed with oil it turns slightly green. When mixed with egg yolk it turns green-grey. It is also known by the names Blue Bice and Blue Verditer.

See also

• list of minerals