Chemical Formula: Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2

Chemical Name: Hydrated Copper Carbonate

Mineral Class: Carbonate

Mineral Notes: Azurite is named from the Arabic word for blue, reflecting the intense blue colour. The colour is very distinctive, although the shade varies among specimens. It is formed by the action of carbon dioxide and water on primary copper sulfide ores. The mineral was occasionally mined as an ore of copper, but its main use was always as a pigment. However becuse it slowly oxidises to Malachite, the blue colour gradually changes to green, which has been a major problem for conservationists of paintings. Azurite forms many different crystal habits including fine crystal clusters, nodules and beautful combinations with its closely related cousin Malachite.

Description: A specimen noted for its historic value and importance of location. It consists of a heavy brown matrix very richly studded by small, deep-blue Azurite crystals. The colour varies around the specimen according to the degree of crystallinity. In several other places are deposits of Malachite, several deep-green, but also sveral where the colour is much lighter. The specimen displays rather well and originates from the mineral discovery period in Australia in the early 20th century.

Location: Burra Burra Mine, Lofty Ranges, South Australia, Australia.