What is Azurite?
Azurite is a very beautiful gemstone. It has an intense deep blue color. It is often found in places with malachite, chrysocolla, turquoise, and in areas with copper deposits. A rare form of azurite called "Bluebird", has dark red Cuprite mixed with azurite - like the triangular gem in the bottom of the picture.
Azurite is a very soft gem, only a 3 1/2 on the Mohs scale of Hardness. Some people think the name is derived from the Persian word lazhward or from the Arabic word azul, both of which mean blue.
Where is azurite found?
Among other places, azurite is found in:
- Australia
- Chile
- France
- Mexico
- Morocco
- Nambia
- Southwestern USA
- Zaire
Azurite is not known as a birthstone, but signs show that it may have been used as the birthstone for Taurus. For thousands of year, azurite has been used in jewelry, ornaments, and even in the Middle Ages ground and used as makeup. It's no wonder, when you look at it's believed mystical powers:
Azurite was sacred to the Egyptians, who believed it was an aid to spiritual communication. Also, many believe that this stone helps to reduce anger and to increase psychic awareness. It is also thought to reduce abnormal cell growth, promote wisdom, and is used as an aid to relieve the pain of rheumatism.
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