azurite

[ azh-uh-rahyt ]

/ ˈæʒ əˌraɪt /

noun

a blue mineral, a hydrous copper carbonate, Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2: an ore of copper.

a gem of moderate value cut from this mineral.

Nearby words

azuero peninsula, azuki bean, azulejo, azure, azuresin, azurite, azurmalachite, azurophil, azusa, azygogram, azygography

Origin of azurite

First recorded in 1810–20; azure + -ite¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for azurite

These are both varieties of copper carbonate with combined water, the azurite having less water.
A Text-Book of Precious Stones for Jewelers and the Gem-Loving Public|Frank Bertram Wade
In almost every way, except difference in color and slight difference in composition, it is very much like azurite (see above).
Geology|William J. Miller
The Chessy and Banat azurite is most profitably employed to make sulphate of copper.
A Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures and Mines|Andrew Ure
He further draws attention to the occurrence of irregular knobs two to three lines in height which consist, in part, of azurite.
The Preservation of Antiquities|Friedrich Rathgen

Copper carbonates are of wide occurrence in the mineral kingdom, and constitute the valuable ores malachite and azurite.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 3|Various

British Dictionary definitions for azurite

azurite

/ (ˈæʒʊˌraɪt) /

noun

an azure-blue mineral associated with copper deposits. It is a source of copper. Composition: copper carbonate. Formula: Cu 3 (CO 3) 2 (OH) 2 . Crystal structure: monoclinic

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Science definitions for azurite

azurite

[ ăzh′ə-rīt′ ]

A dark-blue monoclinic mineral occurring as a mass of crystals (an aggregate) or in the form of blades with wedge-shaped tips. It is often found together with the mineral malachite in copper deposits. Azurite is used as a source of copper, as a gemstone, and as a dye for paints and fabrics. Chemical formula: Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2.