Azurite

  • Updated
    08/12/22
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Azurite D.19850 Click to enlarge image
No. 4 level, 400 ft (122 m). Girofla Mine, Mungana Queensland, Australia. 13 x 15 x 6.5 cm. Registered 1908. D.19850. Image: Stuart Humphreys
© Australian Museum

This magnificent azurite with exceptionally large crystals is one of the finest crystallised azurites from its locality and the best Australian azurite in our collection, apart from Broken Hill examples. It was purchased from C J Holland for £4, 10 shillings in 1908.

Specimen details

  • Origin

    No. 4 level, 400 ft (122 m). Girofla Mine, Mungana Queensland, Australia

  • Size

    13 x 15 x 6.5 cm

  • Date

    Registered 1908

  • Collection number

    D.19850

Azurite D.19850
Azurite. No. 4 level, 400 ft (122 m). Girofla Mine, Mungana Queensland, Australia. 13 x 15 x 6.5 cm. Registered 1908. D.19850. Image: Stuart Humphreys
© Australian Museum

It has been partially replaced (or pseudomorphed) by the green copper carbonate, malachite. The Girofla Mine was well-known for these azurite/malachite pseudomorphs and many have been preserved in old collections. This specimen has been on continuous display in at least four successive mineral exhibitions since its acquisition.

Azurite is a popular mineral among collectors because it is relatively common and accessible, the colour is very appealing and the crystals can be large with high lustre.

Azurite with malachite and quartz

Azurite with malachite and quartz D.50033
Azurite with malachite and quartz, Mt Hope, New South Wales, Australia. 8 x 3.5 x 3.3 cm. D.50033. Albert Chapman Collection. Image: Carl Bento
© Australian Museum

Mt Hope, New South Wales, Australia. 8 x 3.5 x 3.3 cm. D.50033. Albert Chapman Collection.

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