Azurite

Posted by: annaishutina on: September 23, 2011

• In: Gemstones
• 2 Comments

Chemical Symbol :
Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2

Chemical Make-up :
Azurite is made up of basic copper carbonate minerals

History:

There is not 100% agreement regarding the exact origins of the name Azurite, but the two most widely accepted opinions are that the word Azurite is derived from either the Arabic word azul, or the Persian word lazhward, both of which translate to the color blue. In the Middle Ages this mineral was named mountain or copper blue. Later in Europe azurite was named shessylite by the name of its main deposit in the place called Shessy nearbyLyonsinFrance. The contemporary name azurite was fixed only in 1824 by French mineralogist F. Bedan.

Sourses:

 Dense merged crystals of Azurite are found in copper-ore areas of USA, in Russia(Altai and Ural), Kazakhstan, Germany, Zaire(Africa) and Australia. The highest quality Azurite arrives from the famous deposit Teumeb inNamibia,Africa. Some African crystals of azurite reach the length of 25 centimeters with their irreproachable quality. Russian azurites of the highest quality are mined in the deposits of South Ural.  Separate large crystals of this mineral are found more rarely. From the point of chemistry azurite is a copper carbonate. Its blue color is explained by iron compounds. Therefore, sometimes azurite is also called copper azure. Such compounds also present in malachite.

Medicine:

Azurite helps to relieve pain caused by rheumatism and skin issues. In addition to this, Azurite promotes wisdom, increases psychic awareness / ability by unblocking mental blocks and dissipating negativity. Azurite alleviates anger and soothes and calms the nerves, as well as being believed to help eyesight. Azurite is associated with the Third Eye and Throat Chakras and considered an aid to meditation.

Azurite possesses the perceptive energy of Yin. In Ancient Egypt azurite was considered the secret stone that increased the strength of mind. Egyptian priests applied azurite to enhance it to the level of superior powers. There are some evidence that azurite cleans the blood and gall, helps during illnesses of eyes and inflectional diseases of skin.
Azuremalachite can be used in alternative medicine, when the influence of both stones – malachite and azurite is needed. The first one works better in Earth vector by facilitating the suffering and providing with consolation. The second one removes energetic blocks in Chinese meridians and normalizes energy flow by means of its green and blue radiation.

Evaluation :
Azurite is rated at 3.5 – 4 on the Moh’s Scale of Hardness, meaning that this gemstone is best suited to brooches, earrings and pendants, although it is often set in rings. Special care should be taken when wearing Azurite because it scratches relatively easily.

Azurite is most frequently found in shades of blue (ranging from light blue to dark blue), although more rarely, Azurites that include dark red colorations are discovered. This is referred to as the Bluebird form of Azurite. The red coloration is a result of Cuprite mixing with the Azurite. Generally speaking, the closer to “azure” blue the stone’s color is, the more valuable it is, although all Azurite is low to moderate in price.

Common Cuts :
Azurite is most commonly shaped into cabochon and bead form. It is also used for ornamental carvings.

Care & Cleaning :
Being a soft gemstone, the best method of cleanig for Azurite is a dry cloth, followed by a rinsing in warm water (no detergent & definitely no acids). Avoid both untrasonic and steam cleaning devices.

When storing Azurite jewelry pay particular care to keep it away from other harder jewelry / gemstones that may cause scratches on the softer Azurite stone.

 

 

 

Tags: Africa, azurite, copper carbonate minerals., gemstone, Germany, hardness, Kazakhstan, medicine, Namibia, Russia (Altai and Ural)