#collection highlights

                                Collection Highlights

Azurite

Chemical formula: Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 (copper carbonate)

Color: Electric to very dark (almost black) blue

Hardness: Semi-soft (3.5-4)

Crystal system: Monoclinic

Occurrence: Uncommon

Health risks: None

Wow factors:

- Spectacular color not seen with many minerals!

- Usually grows with green malachite and can sometimes grow in bands with it forming unique specimens.

Care tips:

- Azurite is sensitive to high heat and humidity. Prolonged exposure to a hot and humid environment may cause the specimen to wear down and become malachite.,For this reason, do not clean with water, store in direct sunlight, or use a heated lamp to light it.

- Store in a cool, dry cabinet and clean with a blub blower.

Locality of these pieces:  Unknown, but a very good possibility it was from Bisbee, Arizona which is one of the best localities for azurite in the world!

Price range: Small pieces such as azurite “Blueberries” are common and very affordable (usually less than $10). Nice thumbnails can range from $20-80 depending on the quality. Nice cabinet pieces can be quite expensive depending on color and quality. Expect large specimens to cost over $100.