# Azurite > [!material-gem] Material Details > | | | > |---|---| > | **Aliases/Varieties** | Chessylite. Azurmalachite. | > | **Category** | Gemstone | > | **Color(s)** | Azure, deep blue to violet blue | > | **Cost** | —— | > | **Environment/Habitat** | —— | > | **Profession(s)** | [[Alchemist]], [[Jewelcrafter]], [[Tinkerer]] | > | **Qualities** | - Alchemical<br>- Healing<br>- Ornamental | > | **Rarity** | —— | > | **Size** | —— | > | **Weight** | —— | > [!material-gem] Specifications > | | | > |---|---| > | **Crystal System** | Monoclinic | > | **Formations** | Weathered copper deposits | > | **Formula** | Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 | > | **Hardness** | 3.5–4.0 (Mohs) | > | **Mineral Class** | Carbonate mineral | > | **Primary Components** | copper, carbon | > | **Refractive Index** | —— | --- ## Description A deep-blue, copper-rich carbonate mineral and gem material used as a pigment and indicator of copper deposits. It uncovers the truth, no matter how deeply hidden. ### Physical Description A carbonate mineral, known for its deep blue, azure color. The slender, prismatic crystals are mostly transparent and have a vitreous luster. Soft and brittle but surprisingly heavy, azurite is more valued by collectors and magicians than by jewelers. --- ## Occurrence Azurite is created by weathering of copper minerals, forming in the oxidized zone of copper ore deposits as a result of hydrothermal alteration. Usually, it forms massive veins in the sedimentary rocks, but sometimes appears as stalactites or grape-like clusters. Azurite occurs close to the surface, above deep copper deposits, often together with malachite—separately or banded together as azurmalachite. In time and under the effect of air, azurite slowly transforms into malachite. ### Extraction & Preparation Azurite is sensitive to air, heat, and bright light, air reducing the color and weakening the surface. To preserve the luster and protect the soft gem, coat it with colorless wax, and store in darkness, away from heat, and with limited air circulation. Subject to heat, azurite turns into black copper oxide. Azurite dust is toxic due to copper content. --- ## Properties ### Decorative Properties Even though it is unstable in air, azurite is used as blue pigment for fine art paints. Depending on how finely it is ground, the color depth varies; different mediums (like oils or egg white) affect the hue, while adding lead white protects the pigment from chemical change, slowing down the oxidization process. In jewelry, azurite beads are common, but the softness and gradual color loss limit their use. ### Industrial Properties Azurite is an ore of copper, which may be extracted by smelting. The deposits are usually not big enough to be worthy of a mining operation, but they are an indication of copper deposits under the surface. ### Magical Properties Azurite is the gem of truth-seekers, uncovering deeply hidden truth. It opens the way to the unknown, solving puzzles, and shedding light on matters others may try to obfuscate. Azurite beads are often worn by investigators, as they stimulate intuition and increase one's ability to detect lies, subterfuge, and hidden compartments. Ground into pigment, azurite is a valued ingredient of magical paints and cosmetics; one of the most popular application is a face paint applied to the forehead to cleanse the unconscious mind and inspire confidence and wisdom in astral travels and divination. The deep blue of azurite paints fades as the magical charge depletes, turning to pale turquoise and black in the end. Connected closely to clear blue skies, azurite is used in weather magic to chase away stormy clouds and blizzards. Used ritually, it opens hidden pathways between the worlds, allowing the travelers to access other planes of existence. It is especially effective in reaching the celestial, "heavenly" dimensions. Azurmalachite is a powerful healing stone; the blue fragments have a cooling and calming effect on the body, while the greens expel disease and stimulate regeneration.