The facts
What azurite actually is
Mineralogically, azurite is azurite — Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂, crystallising in the monoclinic system.
The colour is caused by cu²⁺ in a more carbonate-rich environment than malachite, giving deep azure blue. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.730–1.838, and the specific gravity sits near 3.77–3.89; cleavage is perfect {011}, fair {100}.
Where azurite comes from
The recognised sources are Chessy-les-Mines, Rhône, France, Tsumeb, Namibia, Bisbee (Copper Queen), Arizona, USA, Milpillas Mine, Sonora, Mexico and Touissit, Morocco.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How azurite is treated
Untreated as specimens, but azurite alters to malachite in humid air over years — historic blue paint in old master paintings has often greened for exactly this reason. Specimens should be kept dry and out of strong light. Some cabochon material is resin-stabilised.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What azurite is confused with
The usual confusions are Linarite, Lazurite (lapis), Shattuckite and Blue-dyed imitations.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.730–1.838 and specific gravity 3.77–3.89 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What azurite is used for
Azurite is bought by mineral collecting, jewellery, carving and sculpture and pigments — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen, by the carat or by the block.
Durability and care
Azurite is 3.5–4 on the Mohs scale, with perfect {011}, fair {100} cleavage.
Below about 5.5 a stone will be scratched by ordinary household dust, which is largely quartz. That does not make it unusable — it makes it a pendant, an earring or an object rather than a ring worn every day.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What azurite costs
Indicative pricing for azurite is Cabochons $10–$100; fine Milpillas or Tsumeb crystals $150–$25,000.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is azurite treated, and how?
Untreated as specimens, but azurite alters to malachite in humid air over years — historic blue paint in old master paintings has often greened for exactly this reason. Specimens should be kept dry and out of strong light. Some cabochon material is resin-stabilised.
Where does azurite come from?
Chessy-les-Mines, Rhône, France, Tsumeb, Namibia, Bisbee (Copper Queen), Arizona, USA, Milpillas Mine, Sonora, Mexico and Touissit, Morocco. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is azurite hard enough to wear every day?
Not really. At 3.5–4 on the Mohs scale it is softer than the quartz dust in ordinary household dirt, so it scratches with wear. It suits pendants, earrings and objects better than a daily ring.
How much does azurite cost?
Indicatively Cabochons $10–$100; fine Milpillas or Tsumeb crystals $150–$25,000. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is azurite confused with?
Most often Linarite, Lazurite (lapis), Shattuckite and Blue-dyed imitations. A refractive index of 1.730–1.838 and a specific gravity near 3.77–3.89 separate it quickly.
What is azurite used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting, carving and sculpture and pigments. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for azurite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about azurite