Rock Picture of the Week

This site is dedicated to the promotion and enjoyment of rockhounding which includes rock, mineral, and fossil hunting, collecting, and their related activities. Each week I will post a new subject related picture and description.

This weeks picture 11/16/08      Azurite

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Photo by Jim Bryan

This specimen is on display at the California State Mining and Mineral Museum in Mariposa, CA.

Azurite (Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2) is a very minor ore of copper. It is usually associated with (and over time weathers into) Malachite.
Because of its widespread availability, historically it was often used as a blue pigment. The bright blue color gives it a high ornamental value, but its softness and sensitivity to heat and light tends to limit its use in jewelry.