azurite

American  

[azh-uh-rahyt] / ˈæʒ əˌraɪt /

noun

1. a blue mineral, a hydrous copper carbonate, Cu 3 (CO3 ) 2 (OH) 2 : an ore of copper.

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

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azurite British  

/ 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

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azurite Scientific  

/ ăzh′ə-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: Cu ₃ (CO ₃ ) ₂ (OH) ₂ .

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Etymology

Origin of azurite

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

Example Sentences

After applying a variety of advanced scientific techniques, the team determined that the residue came from azurite, a bright blue mineral pigment that has not previously been documented in Paleolithic art in Europe.

From Science Daily

“When a painter wanted white pigment, they crushed a white shell or azurite for blue or malachite for green.”

From New York Times

A lion that once stood guard over a tomb in Corinth, in the sixth century B.C., has an azurite mane and an ochre body, calling to mind Mayan or Aztec artifacts.

From The New Yorker

Later, blues strong enough to render sea and sky were made from weathered copper-carbonate azurite—crystalline bright but sometimes darkening in an oil binder.

From The New Yorker

His home uphill was filled with first-edition books, fine art, Panamanian baskets and minerals including vibrant green malachite, deep blue azurite and an amethyst tower.

From Los Angeles Times