Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂
Azurite
Given time and water, this deep-blue copper carbonate quietly becomes malachite.
- Formula
- Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂
- Mohs hardness
- 3.5–4
- Crystal system
- monoclinic
- Colour
- blue
- Element
- water
- Chakra (tradition)
- third eye
- Zodiac
- Sagittarius, Aquarius
- Month
- —
- Where the earth keeps it
- Morocco, Namibia, United States
What it actually is
Azurite is Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂ before it is a story. The lattice is monoclinic, Mohs 3.5–4, and the eye meets blue.
The better pieces still come out of the ground in Morocco, Namibia, United States. Given time and water, this deep-blue copper carbonate quietly becomes malachite.
What the old tradition whispers
The parlour tradition ties Azurite to water and to the third eye centre. The old site stood it near: Sagittarius, Aquarius.
How not to turn it to ash
Softer than a steel knife. No ultrasonic bath, no acid, no sudden heat. Dust wants a dry cloth.