藍銅礦
Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂
Azurite is a carbonate mineral recognized among collectors for its crystal form and distribution, with several world-class Chinese localities.
Azurite is the deep-blue companion to Malachite and one of the most visually iconic copper minerals. Like Malachite it is a copper carbonate, but with a different hydration ratio that gives it the diagnostic azure color. Azurite is the upper-oxidized-zone signal in copper deposits; over geological time it slowly weathers and pseudomorphs to Malachite, leaving square Azurite-shaped crystals colored green. Tsumeb (Namibia) produces celebrated crystals; Chessy in France is the historical type locality.
Notable varieties
- Tabular crystals (Tsumeb, Touissit)
- Spherical aggregates ("balls" – Liufengshan, Anhui)
- Massive (carving stone)
- "Azurmalach" (Azurite + Malachite intergrowth)
- Pseudomorphed by Malachite (square shapes, green color)
The Chinese angle
Xitieshan in Qinghai produces fine Chinese azurite, often as deep-blue rosettes on matrix. Yunnan copper-skarn deposits yield azurite paired with malachite in classic combination specimens. Liufengshan (Anhui) is internationally noted for spherical "azurite balls." Combination Azurite-Malachite specimens from these districts are highly sought by collectors – the dual color (deep blue + bright green) is characteristic.
現有標本
Blue Azurite with Malachite — Democratic Republic of the Congo
Fibrous Blue Azurite with Malachite and Gibbsite — Qinglong, Guizhou, China
20 g Blue Azurite with Malachite and Gibbsite — Qinglong, Guizhou, China
Blue Azurite with Malachite — Myanmar
藍銅礦共生孔雀石／矽孔雀石 — 產地未確認
藍銅礦晶簇伴孔雀石 — 產地未確認
藍銅礦共生孔雀石，摩洛哥
