[azh-uh-rahyt] 
| 1. | a blue mineral, a hydrous copper carbonate, Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2: an ore of copper. |
| 2. | a gem of moderate value cut from this mineral. |
| az·ur·ite (āzh'ə-rīt') n. An azure blue vitreous mineral of basic copper carbonate, Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2, used as a copper ore and as a gemstone. Also called chessylite. |
| azurite (āzh'ə-rīt') Pronunciation Key
A dark-blue monoclinic mineral occurring as a mass of crystals (an aggregate) or in the form of blades with wedge-shaped tips. It is often found together with the mineral malachite in copper deposits. Azurite is used as a source of copper, as a gemstone, and as a dye for paints and fabrics. Chemical formula: Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2. |
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 Tsumeb, Namibia; Chessy, Fr.; 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)
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əˌraɪt