azurite

[azh-uh-rahyt]

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.

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

Historical Examples of azurite

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
Azurite, a blue mineral, a carbonate of copper, often occurring in crystals.
The New Gresham Encyclopedia. Vol. 1 Part 3
Various
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
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
Two more of the softer materials, malachite and azurite, remain to be described.
A Text-Book of Precious Stones for Jewelers and the Gem-Loving Public
Frank Bertram Wade

British Dictionary definitions for azurite

azurite

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

azurite in Science

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.