Azurite

=__**Azurite **__= Azurite has a chemical formula of Cu 3 (CO 3 ) 2 (OH) 2. It is known as a copper material that is produced by weathering of copper ore deposits. Most commonly found in Lyon, France. Azurite is a very popular mineral because of its unparalleled color, a deep blue called "azure", hence its name. Azure is derived from the Arabic word for blue. The color is due to the presence of copper (a strong coloring agent), and the way the copper chemically combines with the carbonate groups (CO 3) and hydroxyls (OH). Azurite has been used as a dye for paints and fabrics for eons. Unfortunately, at times its color is too deep and larger crystals can appear black. Small crystals and crusts show the lighter azure color well. It's molar mass is 344.67 grams per mole, and tends to be a more brittle mineral solid. If heated this solid mineral looses carbon, therefore becoming a black dust, completely destroyed. With time, the compound loses its blue color. Azurite is produced by the weathering of copper ore deposits. This creates a soft, deep blue crystals that give Azurite's distinct properties. Azurite is easily destroyed with heat. With time, the compound loses its blue color.

**__Overview__**:
Azurite is most commonly used as a dye agent, creating blue pigments when mixed with cloth. It can also be used in jewelry, but because its so unstable in open air, it often looses it's crisp blue color, so it's use as jewelry has been widely discontinued. It's a naturally made mineral, having to be mined for use, but in it's natural state it's the most beautiful. Commonly associated with its cousin Malachite, Azurite translates to "the stone of Heaven" due to its beautiful blue color. Other places azurite is found in:
 * Australia
 * Chile
 * France
 * Mexico
 * Morocco
 * Nambia
 * and the southwest US

Its molecular structure is formed by copper, hydrogen, carbon and oxygen. Its molecular weight is 344.67 grams/mol

__**History of Azurite:**__
Azurite comes from the arabic name blue. it is also used in bues and carved into objects. it is believed to illuminate the mind the clearing the thoughts. it is said to restore the mind. IUt can destroy fears and has visionary powers. Also, it can make you more creative. Medicinal purposes include healing of the throat, spleen, and spine. place it on the part of the body where you are congested. It can also help memory and enhance intelectual capacity. (maybe b/c its like copper) It is always custom hand crafted jewelry that will make anyone look fashionable. An example in which azurite is used and found in would be the pigment color in jewelry. This rock is probably determined as one of the most beautiful in the world.

The intense color of azurite makes it a popular collector's stone. However, bright light, heat, and open air all tend to reduce the intensity of its color over time. To help preserve the deep blue color of a pristine azurite specimen, collectors should use a cool, dark, sealed storage environment similar to that of its original natural setting.