Azurite is a soft, deep-blue copper mineral produced by weathering of copper ore deposits. During the early 19th century, it was also known as chessylite, after the type locality at Chessy-les-Mines near Lyon, France. The mineral has been known since ancient times, and was mentioned in Pliny the Elder's Natural History under the Greek name kuanos (κυανός: "deep blue" root of English cyan) and the Latin name caeruleum. Since antiquity, azurite's exceptionally deep and clear blue has been associated with low-humidity desert and winter skies. The modern English name of the mineral reflects this association, since both azurite and azure are derived via Arabic from the Persian lazhward (لاژورد), an area known for its deposits of another deep-blue stone, lapis lazuli.

HISTORY

Azurite is unstable in air, however it was used as a blue pigment in antiquity. Azurite is naturally occurring in Sinai and the Eastern Desert of Egypt. It was reported by F. C. J. Spurrell (1895) in the following examples; a shell used as a pallet in a Fourth Dynasty (2613 to 2494 BCE) context in Meidum, a cloth over the face of a Fifth Dynasty (2494 to 2345 BCE) mummy also at Meidum, and a number of Eighteenth Dynasty (1543–1292 BCE) wall paintings. Depending on the degree of fineness to which it was ground, and its basic content of copper carbonate, it gave a wide range of blues. It has been known as Mountain Blue or Armenian Stone, and was formerly known in Italy as Azurro Della Magna.

COMPOSITION

Azurite is one of two basic copper(II) carbonate minerals, the other being bright green malachite. Simple copper carbonate (CuCO3) is not known to exist in nature. Azurite has the formula Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2, with the copper(II) cations linked to two different anions, carbonate and hydroxide.

HARDNESS

Mohs Scale Hardness: 3.5 - 4

The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a qualitative ordinal scale characterizing scratch resistance of various minerals through the ability of harder material to scratch softer material.

HEALTH BENEFITS

Azurite is useful in treatments for spinal alignment and disorders of the vertebrae, rib-cage and small bones, particularly those which are malformed. It may also be beneficial in treating arthritis and joint problems. Azurite can assist with detoxification, and issues of the kidneys, gallbladder, spleen and liver. It is thought to be good for healthy skin and teeth, and to encourage the development of an embryo in the womb. Azurite aids circulation and oxygenation of the blood, and works at a cellular level to restore any blockage or damage to the brain. A good stone for Alzheimer’s, dementia and other degenerative brain-related disorders, as well as aging. Azurite may also soothe migraines, lessen tinnitus, and balance vertigo. It is also reported to improve reflex actions.

Azurite is useful in treatments for spinal alignment and disorders of the vertebrae, rib-cage and small bones, particularly those which are malformed. It may also be beneficial in treating arthritis and joint problems, for detoxification, and issues of the kidneys, gallbladder, spleen and liver. It is thought to be good for healthy skin and teeth, and to encourage the development of an embryo in the womb. [Melody,141][Hall, 78][Eason, 217]

Azurite aids circulation and oxygenating the blood, and works at a cellular level to restore any blockage or damage to the brain. This is a good stone for Alzheimer’s, dementia and other degenerative brain-related disorders, as well as aging. [Melody,141][Hall, 78][Eason, 217] Azurite may also soothe migraines, lessen tinnitus, and balance vertigo. [Ahsian, 64] It is also reported to improve reflex actions. [Gienger, 18]