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Mineral Characteristics
Azurite is a soft, naturally occurring, crystalline mineral. It's most striking quality is its deep blue color. The mineral is a derivative of copper which is weathered by the Earth's elements over time. Azurite often forms stalactites (stone formations hanging from the ceiling) in copper mines. As azurite weathers, it forms another substance, the deep green-colored mineral malachite.
Etymology
The ancient Greeks knew of the mineral and called it kuanos in Greek, which means deep blue. It was called caeruleum, which also means blue in Latin. The modern name Azurite is derived from the Arabic, azure, which itself comes from the word, lazhward, an area in Ancient Persia. Lazhward had well known deposits of another blue stone, lapis lazuli, with which azurite is often confused.
Uses
Azurite was commonly used by painters and other artists in ancient Europe and Asia as a pigment for painting. The mineral would be ground, gently heated and mixed with other substances to preserve the deep blue color. Azurite can also be used to make jewelry, though its fragility and heat sensitivity limit such use. Lastly, some stone collectors and prospectors value the mineral and preserve specimens, though they must be stored in a cool, dark room to preserve the intensity of the color.
Other Azurite Facts
Azurite is very heat-sensitive. When heated, it forms a copper oxide, a powdery, black substance. It is also sensitive to hydrochloric acid and releases carbon dioxide when placed in it. Azurite weathers quickly in saltwater conditions and areas of high carbon dioxide concentrations. Azurite may also be called Chessylite, after the large deposits found in Chessy-les-Mines in France.