Properties of Azurite

Azurite is a copper carbonate mineral with the chemical formula Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2. It is known for its striking deep blue to violet-blue color, which makes it a popular and valuable mineral for both collectors and lapidary purposes.

Image of azurite mineral
Credit: Parent Géry, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The following table provides a comprehensive list of azurite properties in both SI and US customary/Imperial units at normal temperature and pressure (NTP).

Note: click on the icon to switch between Metric and Imperial units.

Table of Azurite Properties
Physical Properties
Metric
Chemical FormulaCu3(CO3)2(OH)2
Molar Mass344.67 g/mol
Crystal SystemMonoclinic
Mohs Hardness3.5 - 4
Density3770 kg/m3
ColorAzure blue or very dark blue
DiaphaneityTransparent to translucent
LusterVitreous (glassy)
Cleavage(011) perfect, (100) good.
FractureConchoidal, brittle
StreakLight blue

Note: unless stated otherwise, all values are taken at room temperature (approximately 20°C or 68°F) and 1 atm pressure. (1 atm = 101,325 Pa)

Related Pages
References: 1) Cardarelli, François. Materials Handbook: A Concise Desktop Reference. Switzerland: Springer International Publishing, 2018. 2) CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 97th Edition. United Kingdom: CRC Press, 2016-2017.