Azurite

This Copper based crystal can almost be described as a premature Malachite. These two Copper carbonates have similar chemical formulas, the difference is an element called hydroxyl, that is included in Azurite specimens. Left alone long enough, Azurite will psuedomorph into Malachite as the hydroxyl wears away. Colorful combinations of Azurite and Malachite are not uncommon.

Both crystals begin forming when Copper is altered by hydro-thermal solutions. In areas where Malachite or Azurite are found, several other mineral specimens are also likely to occur: Wulfenite, Chrysocolla, Hemomorphite, Turquoise, Aurichalcite, Cuprite, etc. Each forming a slightly different crystal from the transformed Copper.

When Azurite crystallizes, it will form monoclinic crystals. Botryoidal, nodular, irregular wedge shapes, tabular, prismatic and sometime stalactite termination's are also found in this gemstone. The majority of Azurite specimens are opaque and very brittle, but the rare crystal can be beautifully transparent.

Some of the earliest mines are in Namibia, Greece, Russia, the Black Forrest in Germany and Chessy, France. The French specimens have their own name, Chessylite. Today Azurite is found anywhere Copper is; Australia, Mexico, China, the US and England. Many of the original mines are still producing. Specimens from Bisbee, Australia are said to be almost electric blue and are highly sought after. Exquisite terminated crystals are found in Tsumeb, Namibia and La Salle County, Utah is famous for it's Azurite clusters.

Azurite's name comes an Arabic word meaning blue. This was a popular gemstone in the Egyptian culture. It was pulverized and used for dyes in make-up and fabrics. The high priests and priestesses kept Azurite's potent powers a much guarded secret. They used the crystal in rites and meditations to improve communication with the spirit world and enhance psychic abilities.

The gemstone was considered very sacred by many Native American tribes. It was believed to aid you in contacting your Spirit Guides. In ceremonies it was used to represent one of the four elements. The People also used the gemstone for dyes.

The practice of incorporating Azurite into dyes lasted until the industrial age. But as potent solvents and other chemicals became incorporated in the process, the crystal began acting differently. Instead of the treasured blues, they would get greens and blacks from the chemicals reacting to the Copper. Eventually, Azurite was abandoned in dye manufacturing.

Normally a brittle stone like Azurite is overlooked for use in jewelry. The desire to wear the blues, greens and alluring combinations have resulted in various techniques to strengthen the gemstone. Two popular methods are impregnating the stone with plastics or coating it with a clear wax. If you want to wear this gemstone in jewelry, you will have to accept it as an altered stone.

Azurite's range of blues make this crystal an excellent tool for meditating and communicating with your spirit guides. Darker blues will open your Third Eye Chakra, which allows you to tap into the awesome knowledge of all the Universe. Lighter blues assist in communicating that knowledge. Helping you to receive in a manner you understand, then activating your Throats Chakra and assisting you in communicating it to others.

Sleeping with an Azurite will bring you prophetic or spiritual dreams. Try using a stone to help meet your Spirit Guide(s) in your dreams. In a quick meditation before bedtime, introduce yourself to your Azurite and ask its assistance, would it please introduce you to your Spirit Guide in your dreams. Sleep with your stone for the next three nights, repeating your meditation each evening. Keep a journal of what comes in your dreams. Be aware of all unusual things. Your Guide may choose to first reveal them self as an animal, plant or even a friend you know.

Azurite helps to imprint memories. Exchange stones with friends on special occasions, explain that each stone holds all of today's memories, and whenever they need to remember the friendship and fun of the day, they only need to hold their Azurite. Since this gemstone completely enjoys your touch, this is an especially joyful job to give an Azurite.

Students may want to keep a stone on their desk, it turns on lights, allowing you to see answers you were overlooking moments ago. It can also stimulate creative solutions, improve artistic talents and can provide stamina for all night cramming sessions.

If you have trouble with choices, Azurite can help you be more decisive. Meditations with the stone will clarify how your desires and actions really affect your life. Are the things you ask for really correct for you, and good for all? It will show you the lies that you have believed, illuminating a path to truth, then give you the confidence to walk it.

Association with Copper has given Azurite a long healing tradition as a cure for rheumatism. It may also aid in the repair of broken limbs. Mid-wives have recommended it for growing fetus, it aids in the healthy growth of bones and joints. Young children may also benefit from this stone's affect on the thyroid gland with healthier growth patterns.

Healers should enjoy working with Azurite. It can assist with more intuitive diagnosis and help you communicate to the patient how they need to participate in their healing. This gem's compassionate nature is contagious.