Azurite is a copper carbonate that is relatively soft (Mohs' 3.5-4) and is a dark blue in color. There are many large copper mines around the world where azurite comprises at least one of the copper minerals that are extracted during the production of copper. The azurite nodule shown above was recovered from the Hanover Tunnel No. 2, in Grant County, New Mexico. I have long admired the texture and dark blue color of azurite specimens. When I came across this and similar specimens at the 2002 Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, I couldn't resist purchasing several for my mineral collecting friends. (Specimen #M332, $5.00 ) Back