The facts
What azurmalachite actually is
The species behind azurmalachite is azurite–malachite intergrowth, Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂ + Cu₂(CO₃)(OH)₂; it forms in the monoclinic (aggregate) system.
Cu²⁺ throughout; the blue and green banding reflects the carbonate-to-hydroxyl ratio is responsible for the colour — and the chromophore, not the name, is what decides whether a colour is stable.
On the instruments it reads a refractive index of 1.655–1.909 (spot readings vary with the band) and a specific gravity of about 3.6–3.9, with aggregate; breaks along the banding cleavage.
Where azurmalachite comes from
Commercial material comes from Bisbee, Arizona, USA, Morenci, Arizona, USA and Tsumeb, Namibia.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
How azurmalachite is treated
Nearly always stabilised or resin-impregnated for cutting because the two minerals differ in hardness and undercut. As with malachite, reconstituted composite slabs exist.
We state the treatment on every stone, including when the honest answer is that it cannot be determined. A treatment disclosed is a fact; a treatment discovered later is a refund.
What azurmalachite is confused with
Watch for Chrysocolla with malachite, Eilat stone and Reconstituted composites — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.655–1.909 (spot readings vary with the band) and specific gravity 3.6–3.9 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What azurmalachite is used for
The trades that buy azurmalachite are jewellery, carving and sculpture, decorative objects and architecture and interiors. They do not want the same thing, and they do not pay in the same unit.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat, by the block or by the piece.
Durability and care
Azurmalachite is 3.5–4 on the Mohs scale, with aggregate; breaks along the banding 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 azurmalachite costs
Expect roughly Cabochons $15–$120; fine Bisbee slabs $50–$500, depending on quality.
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 azurmalachite treated, and how?
Nearly always stabilised or resin-impregnated for cutting because the two minerals differ in hardness and undercut. As with malachite, reconstituted composite slabs exist.
Where does azurmalachite come from?
Bisbee, Arizona, USA, Morenci, Arizona, USA and Tsumeb, Namibia. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is azurmalachite 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 azurmalachite cost?
Indicatively Cabochons $15–$120; fine Bisbee slabs $50–$500. 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 azurmalachite confused with?
Most often Chrysocolla with malachite, Eilat stone and Reconstituted composites. A refractive index of 1.655–1.909 (spot readings vary with the band) and a specific gravity near 3.6–3.9 separate it quickly.
What is azurmalachite used for besides jewellery?
carving and sculpture, decorative objects and architecture and interiors. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for azurmalachite?
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 azurmalachite