azurite

azuriteAzurite crystals.
azurite
azuriteAzurite from Holbrook Mine, Bisbee, Ariz., U.S.

azurite, basic copper carbonate [Cu3(OH)2(CO3)2]. It is ordinarily found with malachite in the oxidized zone of copper lodes. Notable deposits are at Tsumeb, Namib.; Chessy, France; and Bisbee, Ariz., U.S. Azurite was used as a blue pigment in ancient Eastern wall painting and, from the 15th to the middle of the 17th century, in European painting. For detailed physical properties, see carbonate mineral (table).

This article was most recently revised and updated by Richard Pallardy.
Citation Information
Article Title: azurite
Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published: 23 February 2018
Access Date: February 08, 2025