AZURITE/MALACHITE  SPECIMEN

This is a specimen showing the strong blue colours this is mineral is known for.Ideal collectors specimen.

Size 46 x 50 x 28 mm

Malachite and Azurite are both simple Copper carbonates. Azurite occurs as a secondary mineral in the oxidized zones of copper deposits. Where as Malachite occurs as an alteration product in the oxidized zones of copper deposits.

They are chemical twins. The only differences is that Azurite holds less water than Malachite. The green patina on weathered copper roofs is a form of Malachite. Both Malachite and Azurite are formed when carbon dioxide and water, weather copper ore or when copper ore weathers the mineral calcite. Azurite is found in shades of deep blue and is much more rare
then Malachite.

Azurite and Malachite are very often found together. Blue bladed azurite crystals blending
with the rich green of malachite is a very pleasing mineral combination. A rarer Azurite
mixture, known as "Bluebird", is Azurite mixed with dark red Cuprite

Azurite is a soft, deep blue copper mineral produced by weathering of copper ore deposits. It is also known as Chessylite after the Chessy-les-Mines near Lyon, France, where striking specimens have been found. The mineral has been known since ancient times. The blue of azurite is exceptionally deep and clear, and for that reason the mineral has tended to be associated since antiquity with the deep blue color of low-humidity desert and winter skies. 

Pigments

Azurite was used as a blue pigmentfor centuries. 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, in addition it was formerly known as Azurro Della Magna (from Italian). When mixed with oil it turns slightly green. When mixed with egg yolk it turns green-grey. It is also known by the names Blue Bice and Blue Verditer. Older examples of azurite pigment may show a more greenish tint due to weathering into malachite. Much azurite was mislabeled lapis lazuli, a term applied to many blue pigments. As chemical analysis of paintings from the Middle Agesimproves, azurite is being recognized as a major source of the blues used by medieval painters. True lapis lazuli was chiefly supplied from Afghanistan during the Middle Ages while azurite was a common mineral in Europe at the time.

Collecting

The intense color of azurite makes it popular collector's stone. However, bright light, heat, and open air all tend to reduce the intensity of its color over time. To help preserve the deep blue color of a pristine azurite specimen, collectors should use a cool, dark, sealed storage environment similar to that of its original natural setting.