Azurite is a copper-based stone much like Turquoise and Chrysocolla. It has a deep, almost lapis-like color and can be blended with assorted green shades of banded Malachite. The name Azurite comes from lazhward, which is a Persian word for "blue," and "malachite." Normally it's cut into cabochons (smooth-surfaced beads) or simply carved into smaller and more marketable pieces.
The oldest known Azurite mine is at Timna Valley in Israel, and has been operating for over 3,000 years. It is commonly found in France but can also be found in Saxony, Morocco, Russia, China, Chile, Australia and even in the United States. A new variation of Azurite has been found at the base of the K2 mountain, taking the name K2. Its composition is actually White Granite with Malachite and Azurite inclusions.
In ancient Egypt, Azurite was used to create the protective blue eye of Horus. It was also ground as pigment for many medieval paintings and painters, like Hans Holbein, who used it in some of their most famous works. The Romans, Greeks, Persians, Chinese and even the Mayans used Azurite as a way to connect to higher realms. Azurite was a way to channel their gods. The Chinese believed that it was a gateway to the heavens while the Mayans used Azurite to create psychic connections between the people. Some stories tell of the lost civilization of Atlantis and explain important healing techniques using Azurite.
It is a stone that has lots of physical, emotional, spiritual and even metaphysical benefits. Azurite has been used for everything from chakra healing and understanding allowing stronger relationships. It has been said that it could provide some relief in dementia. One can use Azurite as a feng shui and meditational focus point or carry it with them as a constant healing presence. Azurite is known to stimulate intellectual curiosity, build self-confidence and develop patience and focus in difficult times. It is also good to have in stressful and/or indecisive situations.
Azurite is a third eye chakra stone, awakening psychic abilities and helping the user to recognize intuition and spiritual guidance when it occurs. It is helpful in relieving worries, phobias, toxicity and negative thoughts. It also helps one to recognize the areas in life needing attention.
Azurite has powerful detoxifying properties that can help heal organs like the spleen, kidneys and livers. It can also help with asthma, arthritis, joint problems, immune system issues, thyroid problems and neck problems.
Azurite is a soft stone and can be easily damaged. It is extremely sensitive to heat and sun-bleaching. One should store in dark places and separate it from other jewelry. Specific anti-tarnish strips have been designed for copper and may slow down the conversion to malachite, prolonging its life.
Clean Azurite with lukewarm water and a mild soap. When wiping its surfaces, use a soft cloth because even the softest toothbrush may scratch the stone. Avoid steam or ultrasonic cleaners because they can hurt the colors and damage the surface. Do not put it close to hot water, ovens, hot surfaces or the sun.
The oldest known Azurite mine is at Timna Valley in Israel, and has been operating for over 3,000 years. It is commonly found in France but can also be found in Saxony, Morocco, Russia, China, Chile, Australia and even in the United States. A new variation of Azurite has been found at the base of the K2 mountain, taking the name K2. Its composition is actually White Granite with Malachite and Azurite inclusions.
In ancient Egypt, Azurite was used to create the protective blue eye of Horus. It was also ground as pigment for many medieval paintings and painters, like Hans Holbein, who used it in some of their most famous works. The Romans, Greeks, Persians, Chinese and even the Mayans used Azurite as a way to connect to higher realms. Azurite was a way to channel their gods. The Chinese believed that it was a gateway to the heavens while the Mayans used Azurite to create psychic connections between the people. Some stories tell of the lost civilization of Atlantis and explain important healing techniques using Azurite.
It is a stone that has lots of physical, emotional, spiritual and even metaphysical benefits. Azurite has been used for everything from chakra healing and understanding allowing stronger relationships. It has been said that it could provide some relief in dementia. One can use Azurite as a feng shui and meditational focus point or carry it with them as a constant healing presence. Azurite is known to stimulate intellectual curiosity, build self-confidence and develop patience and focus in difficult times. It is also good to have in stressful and/or indecisive situations.
Azurite is a third eye chakra stone, awakening psychic abilities and helping the user to recognize intuition and spiritual guidance when it occurs. It is helpful in relieving worries, phobias, toxicity and negative thoughts. It also helps one to recognize the areas in life needing attention.
Azurite has powerful detoxifying properties that can help heal organs like the spleen, kidneys and livers. It can also help with asthma, arthritis, joint problems, immune system issues, thyroid problems and neck problems.
Azurite is a soft stone and can be easily damaged. It is extremely sensitive to heat and sun-bleaching. One should store in dark places and separate it from other jewelry. Specific anti-tarnish strips have been designed for copper and may slow down the conversion to malachite, prolonging its life.
Clean Azurite with lukewarm water and a mild soap. When wiping its surfaces, use a soft cloth because even the softest toothbrush may scratch the stone. Avoid steam or ultrasonic cleaners because they can hurt the colors and damage the surface. Do not put it close to hot water, ovens, hot surfaces or the sun.