The French greatly value the Shahsit gemstone, which has been mined in the city of Chessy since ancient times. In Russia it is known under a completely different name, namely Azurite. In different countries and at different times, this precious stone was known by different names, but this did not make it any less popular and in demand among jewelry makers and women who so much love receiving and wearing jewelry as gifts.
Azurite stone - history
François Bodanou is a specialist from France who in 1824 discovered the Azcrit stone, which is modern azurite. It is popularly called “copper lapis lazuli.”
Shamans from Ireland have also revered this stone since ancient times and give it a large role in shamanic affairs. Egyptian priests preferred to make magical amulets and other items necessary for rituals from azurite. Artists from the field of fine art in Europe, who created their magnificent canvases in the 15th-17th centuries, regularly used beautiful paint of an unusual blue color, which they made from stone. It is with this paint that the famous ceiling in the Sistine Chapel is painted, which is visited by tourists from all over the world to this day.
Physical properties of azurite
Azurite is a naturally occurring natural carbonate that has a fairly low level of hardness based on the Mohs scale. But at the same time the stone has a high level of density. This combination of low hardness and high density is an amazing phenomenon in nature.
Azurite is considered a fragile stone. That is why it is extremely difficult to find it in its pure form in jewelry. But it is often used by jewelers in their work to create beautiful jewelry, combining azurite and more durable stones.
During the Middle Ages, a popular mineral pigment was made from the stone we today call azurite. In the modern world, azurite is also often used in decoration. After all, the stone has very deep blue or rich blue shades, which is pleasantly pleasing to the eye. Smooth edges and glass shine give it additional beauty.
Application
Earrings Azurmalachite, silver
Azurmalachite is in demand in the jewelry industry and craftsmanship. Earrings, rings, brooches, pendants, cufflinks, necklaces, beads and bracelets are made from it. The method of stone processing is cabochon. Azurmalachite is set in silver or platinum; master jewelers try not to combine gold with this stone.
This stone makes beautiful decorative items and gift souvenirs - coasters, boxes, vases, writing sets.
Crystals of unusual shapes and colors are in demand among collectors. Specimens with a layered structure that have not been processed are of particular value among magicians and lithotherapists.
Azurmalachite and azurite
Azurite is often confused with other stones. After all, there are many blue natural stones in nature. For example, it is most often compared to azurmalachite. But real experts can tell the difference between these two natural stones. After all, azurmalachite is a mixture that can be obtained by merging blue azurite and green malachite. The result is a very beautiful combination. In different production proportions you can get stones of different shades: blue, light blue, green and even purple. Such a varied palette of colors suits the taste of decorative and jewelry craftsmen.
Azurite has a wonderful tendency to combine with other rocks to form artificial compounds of natural stones. Jewelers always benefit from this property of the stone. This is why azurite is so popular and is often found in jewelry to this day.
Chemical composition of the stone
If we consider the chemical formula of azurite Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2, we will notice that the composition contains copper carbonate. This is the reason for its deep blue color. Such beautiful blue and dark blue shades are found in stones that contain more than 50% copper.
Upon contact with hydrochloric acid, the stone begins to release carbon dioxide. Azurite has a fairly similar chemical composition to malachite.
Rules of care
Azurmalachite is fastidious in care. In order to preserve its pristine beauty and healing properties for a long time, you need to follow some simple rules:
protect the fragile talisman from mechanical damage, prevent it from falling and hitting;- wipe the mineral with a dry cloth; contact with water is unacceptable;
- do not store the souvenir in the open sun, as direct sunlight can disrupt the aesthetics of the product;
- avoid temperature fluctuations, store the stone in a cool place;
- Avoid contact with household chemicals and caustic cleaning agents.
If you leave a souvenir in high humidity conditions, it may turn green, losing its charming heavenly shade. But if you store the talisman correctly, it will certainly retain its powerful energy.
Azurite stone - properties and varieties
It is very rare to find pure azurite in nature. This is due to the tendency of the stone to merge with other minerals with which it is compatible. Most often in nature you can find azurmalachite. It is a mixture of malachite and azurite. Bornite also contains azurmalachite and cuprite. And also blue copper, which contains a mixture of azurite and chrysocolla. Nature miraculously crosses different minerals, forming new stones of extraordinary beauty.
This is why azurite can be crystals of different shades and their combinations, namely:
- blue;
- violet;
- black;
- blue.
The mineral azurite has a very interesting ability, thanks to which it attracts other stones to itself while in its natural environment.
Azurmalachite
Azurmalachite is the most common version of the mineral, or rather its compound. But even more often you can find malachite itself. The tandem of exquisite green and deep blue is an incredible combination that shimmers in a very beautiful way under the rays of the sun. Jewelers most often love to work with this type of stone.
Benite, Burnite or Bluebird
Some may think that these are completely different gemstones for creating jewelry. But they are all one of the varieties of azurite. Jewelers believe that this type of stone is too soft. Therefore, they rarely use it in their work.
"Blue Copper"
This species is formed by merging pure azurite with chrysocolla. The stone can be recognized by its rich, deep color, which immediately catches the eye.
Azurite in granite
A beautiful blue stone that can be obtained naturally when azurite is alloyed with granite. Jewelers absolutely love its hue when combined with white gold when making rings and other jewelry for women.
Price
The average price per gram is 3-7 dollars. Unprocessed specimens are more expensive – about $10 per carat. The cost of a processed stone often depends on what frame it is framed in - the more expensive it is, the more this will affect the price of the product. Ready-made azurmalachite jewelry is much more expensive, especially massive necklaces, earrings, and elegant rings.
This is a real miracle of nature that can please its owner and give him a good mood. This is a stone for kind, sympathetic natures who want to reveal their talents and find themselves. If you want to buy azurmalachite, approach this issue seriously and responsibly, taking into account the compatibility of the mineral with different zodiac signs and other rocks.
Azurite deposits
Congo, Morocco and Namibia are the three countries where this beautiful stone is most mined. They can rightfully be called the birthplaces of azurite. However, rich deposits of the blue mineral can be found in other parts of our planet. Azurite is not a rare stone. This mineral can be found almost everywhere. For example, in the USA, Germany, Greece, Australia and even Mexico. Scientists note that azurite is often mined in countries such as Kazakhstan and the UK.
History knows a case when an incredibly large azurite was found. The mass of this stone was 4.5 tons. The mineral was discovered at the Copper Queen mine, which is located in the US state of Arizona.
Healing properties of azurite
Since ancient times, the stone has been popular in the medical field. Doctors from different times and countries advise applying azurite to sore spots. They believed that the mineral was able to draw out pain and save a person from suffering. Either this is psychosomatics, or the stone is really capable of healing, but some people to this day note the healing properties of azurite. They say that azurite is good for bruises and sprains. Azurite was also used in the Middle Ages as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Healers to this day recommend wearing jewelry with azurite on the neck for those people who have problems with:
- hormones;
- high blood pressure;
- vision.
Some people believe that if you place azurite on your forehead and close your eyes, the stone will take away stress, worries and worries, thereby normalizing your emotional state and mental health.
In some African countries, azurite is still used to treat respiratory problems, as well as some skin diseases.
Mineral price
Altai azurmalachite cabochons
Azurmalachite is affordable and anyone can purchase it. Depending on the type of product, frame material, size and location of extraction, the cost of the mineral varies within:
- $0.15 - for 1 bead 8 mm;
- $10 – for a bracelet made of beads Ø 10 mm;
- $27 – for a pendant with azurmalachite measuring 40x20 mm, mined in India;
- $45 – for a nugget weighing 533 g, brought from the Congo.
Azurite - healing properties
Fans of traditional and alternative medicine note that azurite can be useful for the following diseases:
- epilepsy;
- hysteria;
- melancholy;
- depression.
To cope with emotional and psychological ailments, it is recommended to wear a talisman with azurite around your neck. You literally need to wear it for three or four days and then take it off for two weeks. If you wear the stone for months and do not remove it, this can lead to nervous breakdown and energy imbalance. That is why you should always be careful with stones and follow the rules that our ancestors followed since ancient times.
Lithotherapists believe that azurite is excellent for meditation. That is, this stone should only be worn when you meditate. It is preferable to use a necklace. This allows you to get rid of many ailments, both psychological and physical. During meditation, it is recommended to focus your thoughts not on the breath, but on the stone. Ask him to help you feel better. And the stone will really help.
If the patient is very seriously ill, then the stone can help either recover faster, or make it easier to endure the disease if it is fatal. However, the stone cannot be the only cure. Even modern healers do not recommend abandoning traditional treatment and modern medicine.
How to distinguish from a fake
Products made from azurmalachite are in demand by consumers due to their unique beauty. This is precisely the main reason why the stone began to be counterfeited using polymers and plastic.
Azurmalachite jewelry set
Real azurmalachite can be distinguished from an artificial imitation, however, some authentication methods can lead to damage to the stone. These include:
- Checking azurmalachite using the heating method. A real mineral can crack or split from prolonged exposure to fire, while plastic can melt.
- Interaction of stone with acid. Azurmalachite is not resistant to acids. A drop of any acid hitting the surface of a stone causes damage and hissing.
Methods for verifying the authenticity of azurmalachite that do not damage it include studying the pattern, weight and thermal conductivity of the stone:
- On the surface of a natural mineral, upon careful examination, you can notice smooth transitions and lines of shades, as well as the uniqueness and variety of patterns. The pattern of fake crystals is usually identical, as it is made using the stamping method.
- If we compare the weight of azurmalachite with plastic and glass, then it is larger for natural stone.
- A real gem remains cool even if it is squeezed in the palm of your hand for several minutes. Synthetic analogues heat up immediately.
To protect yourself from buying fake azurmalachite, you should ask the seller for a certificate of stone quality.
Magical properties of azurite
Since ancient times, magic stones have been used to perform various magical rituals and ceremonies. Azurite is popular in the magical craft to this day. In the east, azurite is considered to be the “third eye”.
All this is connected with the energy that the stone has.
Fortune tellers are confident that azurite can show the path in life. This helps a person decide on a profession and find his way in life, choose the right path.
Here it is worth remembering the psychological properties of the stone, as it can relieve stress and normalize the emotional state. This is very important for conducting magical and esoteric practices.
Azurite can be useful if you want to expand the boundaries of understanding. It happens that a person looks at a problem based only on his own point of view. Fortune tellers perform special rituals using azurite so that a person can expand the horizon of his own views. As a rule, after such a session a person begins to look at his problem from a completely different angle and finds solutions that he could not have imagined before.
Azurite enhances the feeling of awareness. This helps those people who live as if in a fog. A magical ritual with azurite can pull a person out of the fog if he constantly flies somewhere in the clouds. After the session, the person begins to make decisions more consciously and has a completely different attitude towards his own life.
Zodiac signs
Initially, it is difficult to understand which zodiac signs the mineral in question is suitable for. This uncertainty is due to the fact that over time it transforms into a gemstone, which is why the properties of the azurite stone also change. Zodiac signs of different elements can use a talisman, but the mineral affects each sign in its own way:
- in Libra, energy flows are normalized;
- Pisces feel harmony within themselves, receive faith and hope;
- Aquarius gains peace of mind, they get the opportunity to make only the right decisions;
- For Sagittarius, the magic stone brings good luck and allows you to solve problems in your personal life.
