Azurite Vs. Chrysocolla

Azurite is a popular mineral composed of copper carbonate.^[1] Chrysocolla is also a popular gemstone and its chemical composition is copper silicate.^[2]

Quick Facts on Differences of Azurite and Chrysocolla

For a quick recap of the differences azurite and chrysocolla:

• While both azurite and chrysocolla can be opaque, azurite can be translucent or transparent.
• While both azurite and chrysocolla is monoclinic, in terms of crystallography, chrysocolla can be orthorhombic.
• For chemical formulas, azurite is Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 while chrysocolla is Cu2H2Si2O5(OH)4.
• While both azurite and chrysocolla can be dull or vitreous, in terms of luster, chrysocolla can be greasy or waxy.
• While both azurite and chrysocolla streaks blue, azurite streaks light blue and chrysocolla streaks pale, pale blue, white or white pale.
• While both azurite and chrysocolla can be commonly blue, chrysocolla is often green.
• Azurite's specific gravity is higher than chrysocolla - azurite is 3.77 and chrysocolla ranges from 2 to 2.4.

Quick Facts on Similarities of Azurite and Chrysocolla

The similarities of azurite and chrysocolla include:

• Azurite's rarity is similar to chrysocolla.
• Azurite's hardness overlaps with chrysocolla - azurite ranges from 3.5 to 4 and chrysocolla ranges from 2 to 7 on the Moh's scale.

Summary of Azurite

Azurite is a beautiful blue mineral that is commonly found in copper mines. It is a copper carbonate mineral that has a deep blue color and is often found with other copper minerals such as malachite. Azurite is a soft mineral with a Mohs hardness of 3.5 to 4 and a specific gravity of 3.77 to 3.89. It has a bright blue streak and a vitreous to dull luster. Azurite is often confused with lapis lazuli, which is a rock composed of several minerals including lazurite, but azurite is a distinct mineral with its own unique properties.

Summary of Chrysocolla

Chrysocolla is a mineral that is typically found in copper deposits around the world. It is often confused with turquoise or malachite due to its similar appearance, but chrysocolla has a unique blue-green color that sets it apart. It is often found in botryoidal or stalactitic formations, and can also occur as a crust or coating on other minerals.

Table Comparison of Azurite vs Chrysocolla