Azurite

Properties of azurite

Azurite is a mineral composed primarily of copper carbonate, a characteristic it shares with malachite. This stone is relatively abundant where copper veins are present.

Azurite is one of the most attractive gemstones due to its color, which encompasses various shades of blue, from sky blue to deep blue. The stone has a vitreous luster, a blue streak, a monoclinic crystal system, and a conchoidal fracture. Its density is 3.8, while its hardness ranges from 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale.

The most notable deposits of azurite are found in the United States, Canada, France, Belgium, Morocco, Namibia, Australia....

History of azurite

According to some archaeological discoveries, azurite has been one of these stones known since time immemorial. More precisely, it was used as an ointment by the Egyptians of the 4th Dynasty, around 2700 BC.

The stone has had several names throughout history. For the Greeks, it was the kuanos, which later gave rise to the term cyan, referring to the complementary color of red. Pliny the Elder called azurite "Armenian." As for the Romans, they knew the stone as "caeruleum." It was only in 1824 that the stone was named azurite, a term inspired by the Persian word Lazhward, meaning blue.

The blue color of the stone has always been the source of humankind's fascination with azurite throughout the centuries. It was used as a coloring pigment, especially in cosmetics for its intense blue hue, and later in medieval painting. The ancients also used it in therapies to treat certain ailments and injuries.

Benefits of azurite

On a physical level, azurite has several benefits for convalescence. The stone is said to promote rapid wound healing. It also appears to have a beneficial effect on reducing glaucoma and strengthening bones, joints, and teeth. Azurite also has a toning effect on blood circulation and the nervous system.

On a psychological level, azurite helps overcome depression and develop clarity and understanding of oneself and one's own emotions. It is an excellent meditation stone, aiding spiritual development and introspection, allowing for a deeper understanding of oneself and better access to wisdom and knowledge of the world. Azurite strengthens self-confidence and provides the confidence and spirit to undertake and act upon life's projects.

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Azurite's preferred chakras are the crown and third eye chakras, promoting meditation and out-of-body experiences to better understand the divine and merge with cosmic forces. It is also believed to benefit the heart and solar plexus chakras by stimulating the flow of energy throughout the body. Azurite is associated with the astrological signs of Libra, Capricorn, and Sagittarius.

Azurite is purified with distilled water without any other additives. To recharge it, it must be exposed to sunlight or moonlight in a group of crystals.