azurite

[ azh-uh-rahyt ]

noun

1. a blue mineral, a hydrous copper carbonate, Cu 3 (CO 3 ) 2 (OH) 2 : an ore of copper.
2. a gem of moderate value cut from this mineral.

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

azurite

/ 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 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of azurite¹

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

Example Sentences

“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

She ended up experimenting with early pigment sources like azurite minerals and cochineal insects, sources of rich blues and red hues.

From New York Times