azurite

[ azh-uh-rahyt ]

/ ˈæʒ əˌraɪt /

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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

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

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Origin of azurite

First recorded in 1810–20; azure + -ite¹

Words nearby azurite

Azuchi-Momoyama, Azuela, Azuero Peninsula, azulejo, azure, azurite, azurmalachite, Azusa, azygospore, azygous, azyme

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

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.