azurite

[ azh-uh-rahyt ]

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

  2. a gem of moderate value cut from this mineral.

Origin of azurite

1
First recorded in 1810–20; azure + -ite1

Words Nearby azurite

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use azurite in a sentence

  • The Chessy and Banat azurite is most profitably employed to make sulphate of copper.

  • Crystals of azurite belong to the monoclinic system; they have a vitreous lustre and are translucent.

  • 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
  1. 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

[ ăzhə-rīt′ ]


  1. 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.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.