BY CHISOM IBEMERE
Azurite is an ore of copper with a characteristic deep blue colour. It is not too common but has an intriquing blue colour. It has been and used for thousands of years. In the ancient times, it is popular as an ore of copper, a pigment, ornamental stone and a gemstone and still serves the same purpose today.
Azurite is a secondary mineral formed from weathering of copper ore deposits. Carbon-dioxide reacts with subsurface copper ores which gives rise to carbonic acid which dissolves minute quantities of copper in the ores. This dissolved copper is being moved together with water to a new or different geochemical location. In this new location, evaporation may occur which may lead to the formation and development of massive Azurite. The precipitation are done in pore spaces and cavities.
The most distinct and notable quality of this mineral is it’s distinctive deep blue colour. The copper content gives it unique colour. It has a mohs hardness of 3.5-4 and specific gravity of 3.7-3.9. It gives a slight effervescence with dilute hydrochloric acid which gives rise to a light blue liquid.
The name Azurite came after the Persian word “Lazhward” due to its blue colour. There are more than 45 forms of Azurite gemstone. It can be cut to produce Cabochons, gems and Ornamental materials. It is not safe to inhale the dust particles during the process of cutting or when undergoing polishing.
Deposits of Azurite may be seen in some countries of the world and which may include: Morocco, Namibia, Mexico, Nigeria, Australia, Chile and have it’s deposits displayed in historical museums.
Azurite are used in search for subsurface copper deposit. In the ancient times, the Egyptians mined and smelted Azurite to produce copper. They may be ground to be used as pigment in paintings.
Copper ores deposits are found in areas such as Azara and Akiri in Nasarawa states, Bauchi, FCT, Zamfara and Niger states of Nigeria.
