AZURITE

Azurite is a brilliant blue copper-based mineral. Its color ranges from light to dark blue, with medium to dark blue being most common. The intensity and variability of its hues is what makes azurite a popular collector's stone. It is most often found within copper ore deposits, and is produced as a result of the weathering of said deposits. Being one of two fairly common copper carbonate minerals with the chemical formula Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2, it is often found alongside the vibrant green mineral, malachite. Crystallizing in the monoclinic system, large crystals of azurite are often dark blue and prismatic in structure; however, specimens of azurite can often be massive to nodular, and can also occur as macroscopic, ‘drusy’ crystal linings within a rock cavity. Azurite is typically found in the same geologic zones as its brother mineral, malachite, although it is often less abundant. The two minerals are most commonly associated with native copper, cuprite, and other various iron oxide minerals.

AZURITE HISTORY AND USES

Azurite has been acknowledged since ancient times, and was first referenced in Pliny the Elder's book of Natural History, under the Greek name kuanos, for "deep blue". During the early to mid-19th century, azurite was commonly given the name “chessylite”, after its type locality at the Chessy les Mines in Lyon, France. Throughout history, azurite has been used as a pigment for its brilliant range of blue color, with sites and artifacts dating all the way back to Antiquity and The Middle Ages; including a Fourth Dynasty Egyptian shell ornament, originating from 2613 to 2494 BCE, as well as a blue cloth that was found draped over the face of a Fifth Dynasty Egyptian mummy, dating between 2494 to 2345 BCE. Additionally, a number of Egyptian Eighteenth Dynasty azurite blue wall paintings have been discovered, dating between 1543–1292 BCE. These are just a few examples of its long-term use; however, there have been numerous discoveries of azurite blue pigmentation incorporations found worldwide, making it a considerably valuable resource for ancient people, with its regular usage lasting all the way through to the Middle Ages.

AZURITE METAPHYSICS

Metaphysically, azurite is said to aid the mind with cognitive function. A stone of the Third Eye Chakra, it is often used for consciousness exercises and meditation rituals. It allows the user to focus their attention to the present moment, and can aid in creating development practices that facilitate financial progress and growth. Azurite is also said to bring about psychic awareness and clairvoyance, creating a network of pathways to interdimensional lines of communication. Physically, azurite is said to aid the cognitive and neurological functions of the brain. It is said to help facilitate memory and dream recall, while also aiding the body with detoxification. Additionally, it is said to aid with spinal alignment and healthy joint functions.