Deep blue copper carbonate hydroxide. Historically important as a blue pigment and indicator of copper deposits. Color: Deep azure blue. Luster: Vitreous to adamantine. Streak: Light blue. Cleavage: Perfect in two directions. Hardness: 3.5-4. Transparency: Transparent to opaque. Crystal system: Monoclinic. Chemical formula: Cu₃ CO₃ ₂ OH ₂. Specific gravity: 3.77-3.89. Formation: Forms in the oxidized zone of copper sulfide deposits by reaction of copper-bearing solutions with carbonates. Common geological settings: France, Morocco, Namibia, Arizona; found in oxidized copper deposits. Common look-alikes and related entries: Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite, Vivianite.
Blue minerals — Place this specimen in a broader field-identification workflow.
Sources, scope & corrections
These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:37:02.592595+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Deep blue copper carbonate hydroxide. Historically important as a blue pigment and indicator of copper deposits.
How can you identify Azurite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Deep azure blue; lustre: Vitreous to adamantine; streak: Light blue; Mohs hardness: 3.5-4; cleavage: Perfect in two directions; crystal system: Monoclinic; transparency: Transparent to opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Azurite form?
Forms in the oxidized zone of copper sulfide deposits by reaction of copper-bearing solutions with carbonates.
Where is Azurite commonly found?
France, Morocco, Namibia, Arizona; found in oxidized copper deposits.
What is Azurite commonly confused with?
Azurite may be confused with Lapis Lazuli, Sodalite, Vivianite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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