azurite

[ azh-uh-rahyt ]

/ ˈæʒ əˌraɪt /

Save This Word!

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.

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON “ITS” VS. “IT’S”!

Apostrophes can be tricky; prove you know the difference between "it’s" and "its" in this crafty quiz!

Question 1 of 8

On the farm, the feed for chicks is significantly different from the roosters’; ______ not even comparable.

it's

its

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of azurite

First recorded in 1810–20; azure + -ite¹

Words nearby azurite

Azuela, Azuero Peninsula, azulejo, azure, azuresin, azurite, azurmalachite, azurophil, Azusa, azygogram, azygography

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use azurite in a sentence

The Chessy and Banat azurite is most profitably employed to make sulphate of copper.
A Dictionary of Arts, Manufactures and Mines|Andrew Ure
Crystals of azurite belong to the monoclinic system; they have a vitreous lustre and are translucent.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 3, Part 1, Slice 1|Various
She wore vivid green azurite ornaments on the fairness of her bosom, and her bright hair was bound by a band of the same colour.
The White Peacock|D. H. (David Herbert) Lawrence
She was twisting the azurite jewels on her bosom, and pressing the blunt points into her flesh.
The White Peacock|D. H. (David Herbert) Lawrence

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

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

Scientific 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.