Lab Created Azurite AZUR0

Lab Azurite

Lab-grown azurite is a copper ore and one of the rarest minerals on earth. The stone comes with a deep blue color that makes it a favorite for jewelry, pigment production, and much more.
Most azurite crystals occur naturally with its closely related element – malachite. There’s so much to know about azurite and how to maintain them if you ever want these stones to be a part of your jewelry or art collection.

That’s why this article provides vital information about azurite, its uses, maintenance tips, and much more. Other essential details in this post also show the chemical composition and origins of these deep blue, precious crystals.

History of Lab Azurite

Azurite mining deposits were common around the Suez and Sinai regions from as early as 4000BC. Other early mining locations of earth-mined azurite are the Great Orme Mines where thousands of miners dug these stones along with malachite using crude equipment.

Lab-grown azurite became popular due to growing demand for its pigments and loose gemstones for jewelry or art. Scientists in the twentieth century devised proven methods to mass-produce these crystals for various purposes.

How is Lab-Grown Azurite Made?

Lab-grown azurite forms when supergene weathering takes place along with the oxidation of sulfuric copper cores. Most lab-grown azurite occurs with calcite, goethite, or malachite since these crystals since these elements thrive in the same environment.

Uses of Lab Azurite

Skilled artisans can work azurite stones into beads and as ornamental stones. Azurite is also a popular collector’s item based on its distinct deep colors and appearance.

Other uses of azurite include:

• As special pigments,
• For decorative details in art pieces,
• As a prospecting indicator (azurite and malachite present in soil usually indicate the area’s copper ore richness)

Chemical Properties of Lab Azurite

• Main element(s) formula: Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2
• Specific gravity: 3.773 – 3.78
• Refractive index: 1.730 – 1.838
• Pleochroism: Blue shades
• Optical properties: Biaxial
• Mohs scale hardness: 3.5 to 4
• Luster: Vitreous
• Fracture: Conchoidal
• Dispersion: Relatively weak
• Diaphaneity: Transparent to translucent
• Crystal system: Monoclinic
• Common streak: Light blue
• Color: Azure-blue, dark to pale blue
• Cleavage: Varies from fair to perfect
• Birefringence: 0.108

Maintenance Tips for Lab Azurite

Lab-grown azurite need regular maintenance to preserve their potential shine and appearance. The maintenance azurite needs depend on its mount design, setting material, and few other factors.
You can clean azurite gemstones with any of these methods described below:

Polishing
You can use a soft polishing cloth to clean dirt from your azurite jewelry. First, gently rub the gemstone’s surface with the soft cotton cloth to ensure all dry dirt comes off. You can also make use of polishing cloths to clean spaces beneath your jewelry, especially when grime builds up at its setting area.

Polishing cloths remain the safest way to maintain lab-grown azurite crystals and other precious or semi-precious stones. .

Liquid soap

Follow these steps to clean azurite crystals with liquid soap:

• Add drops of liquid soap into ½ cup of water,
• Stir the solution and dip one part of a soft cotton cloth in,
• Rub the soap solution over your azurite, cleaning off all spots of dirt and grime,
• Use the other dry half of the cloth to wipe off the soap solution

It’s worth noting that some azurite gems may lose their color after prolonged exposure to water.

Following these steps provides basic maintenance for your azurite crystals. You may need to consult experienced jewelers for more information to preserve the overall appearance of your azurite items. Working with qualified jewelers ensures perfect maintenance to keep your azurite stones stronger and more beautiful than ever.