Name of Object:

Azurite

Location:

Lisbon, Portugal

Holding Institution:

National Museum of Natural History and Science (MUHNAC) / Museums of the University of Lisbon

 About National Museum of Natural History and Science (MUHNAC) / Museums of the University of Lisbon, Lisbon

Holding Institution (original language):

Museu Nacional da Historia Natural e da Ciencia (MUHNAC)

Date of Object:

c. 1920

Inventory Number:

MUHNAC-MNHN/UL.7792

Material(s) / Technique(s):

Azurite crystals

Dimensions:

9.5 cm x 7.5 cm x 4.0 cm

Provenance:

Morocco

Description:

Two aggregates of azurite prismatic crystals with a radial distribution. Azurite is a copper carbonate mineral, of chemical formula Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2. Its name comes from the antiquity for its deep blue colour after the Arabian azure that came from the Persian lazhward. Azurite crystals conform to the monoclinic system of symmetry. In this sample they are prismatic, opaque and their faces present striations. The lustre is vitreous. Azurite was used as a blue pigment for centuries, providing a wide range of blues. It is also used as jewellery and as an ornamental stone. As a secondary mineral found in the oxidized portions of copper deposits, the presence of Azurite is a good surface indicator of the presence of copper ores. This sample was collected at the Touissit Mine, near Oudja, Morocco.

Citation of this web page:

Liliana Póvoas (MUHNAC-UL) "Azurite" in "Sharing History", Museum With No Frontiers, 2024. https://sharinghistory.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;AWE;pt;46;en

Prepared by: Liliana Póvoas (MUHNAC-UL)

MWNF Working Number: PT 100