Azurite
May 26, 2005
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 formerly known as Azurro Della Magna (from Italian). 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.