AZURITE

AZURITE

Azurite derives its name from the Persian word LAZHWARD which refers to its distinguishing rich blue color. The name AZURE BLUE refers to the deep Lapis Lazuli blue color that can be seen in Azurite.

Azurite has been called the Blue Malachite because it is a copper carbonate which is similar to Malachite but comes in blue. Azurite is rarer than malachite, therefore, more valuable.

Azurite comes in dark-blue to azure blue color. It is transparent to opaque with a glass-like luster. Transparent and translucent Azurite are extremely rare.

Azurite is 3.4 to 4 on the Mohs hardness scale. Being a fairly soft stone, it tends to be brittle and cracks easily making it hard to work in jewelry design. Its value is more as a mineral than as a gem. However, there are azurites that have been made into beautiful gemstones but usually they are cut “en cabochon.”

Besides its value as a mineral and as a gem, azurite was used in ancient Egypt in the production of pigments and textile color dye.

Azurite looks like Lapiz Lazuli without the golden pyrite dots. It is often found mixed with green malachite and this hybrid malachite and azurite is known as Azurmalachite. It is more common than pure azurite. Another hybrid of azurite is known as 'Bluebird Azurite', which is a mixture of azurite with cuprite.

Sodalite, Lazulite, Dumortiertite Quartz and Hauynite have also been confused with Azurite. However, the blue of azurite is so unique that this alone can distinguish it from other gemstones.

Azurite is found in the Unites States such as New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah. It can also be found in Mexico, Namibia, Congo, Morocco, Australia and France. A major source for Azurite comes from France, in the small town of Chessy. This Azurite has its own trade name known as Chessylite.

Azurite is known as the Stone of Heaven. It is believed to be able to awake extra-sensory psychic abilities and awareness in humans. It strengthens intuition and increases creativity. It helps us in our spiritual cleansing and awakening.

Azurite possesses healing properties in ailments of the throat, shoulder and neck pain.

Azurite is very unstable due to its susceptibility of weathering in heat and light. These elements will weaken its rich blue color into dull green or black. In the 18th century, synthetic azurite pigment was invented. It is known as Prussian Blue. On top of it being a more stable and predictable material dye, it is also much less costly.

Dust from azurite is also toxic so it is recommended that you protect yourself from inhaling any azurite dust particles if you were to cut any Azurite.

Azurite ages too like human beings. And as Azurite ages, it loses its luster and its beautiful rich color. This is the reason why we think this stone is magical and deserves our respect and care.

Use a soft cloth to clean your azurite and use only very mild soap. Do not use hot water when cleaning it. Keep your Azurite in dark and cool places and away from harder gemstones.

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