Azurite Stone

History of Azurite Stone

Azurite stone’s name comes from the Persian “lazhward” area and means “blue,” referring to the azure beauty of this mineral. Used in the design of various blue pigments and for its “mystical” characteristics, azure stone was renowned in Ancient Egypt. The Wadi Magharah mine was the oldest, operating nearly 5000 years before Christ. During this period, the Greeks and Romans imported it from Armenia or the island of Cyprus. In his treatise “On Stones” philosopher, botanist and alchemist Theophrastus (371 BC – 288 BC) gave it the name “Stone of Armenia” or “Lapis Armenis”, though it was also called “Armenium” or “Caeruleum cyprium”. In the Middle Ages, azurite was used in the colouring of manuscripts. It was imported from Hungary and Germany where it was called “Chessylite” as it was discovered in Chessy-les Mines, near Lyon, France. Later in the 19th century, the deposit was mined in its entirety, and the mine was shut down.

Azurite is associated with several ancient cultures and civilisations. In Ancient Egypt, a seer drew himself a third eye with azurite to acquire more power. To the Mayans, azurite stone served as a conduit to superior intelligence. In Atlantis, it was considered a powerful stone that could cure disease. But these legends have since disappeared, and with them, all of azurite’s mysteries. Many writers dedicated books to it and its name was given by mineralogist and geologist François Sulpice Beudant (1787 – 1850). In 1824, azurite was included in his “Elementary Treatise on Mineralogy” where he made a precise account with many details. The IMA or International Mineralogical Association does not acknowledge the name azurite.

Origin and Composition of Azurite Stone

Azurite is a mineral that consists of copper carbonate with the chemical formula Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2. It has a crystalline or prismatic appearance and comes in azure-blue or Prussian blue. It can take the form of globular clusters or striped crusts. The clear crystals have a glassy appearance. Under the light of a polarising microscope, azurite stone is a matte blue colour; the light alone displays a pleochroism composed of a set of blue. It demonstrates a perfect pattern and area with conchoidal streaks. It is a mineral classified at 3.5 to 4 on the Mohs scale with a density of 3.77. It thus belongs to the category of soft and low-density minerals. It draws an azurite line and dissolves in acidic liquids and ammonia. It boils when mixed with hydrochloric acid, which differentiates it from lazurite, whose name and colour are similar to its own. It is also soluble in acid resulting in a transparent blue.

Litho Therapeutic Properties of Azurite Stone

Azurite stone works on the emotions and the mind. It influences our thoughts and shows us how to overcome our problems. More generally, it can clear up physical blockages. It develops intelligence and insight as well as fostering independence. It also boosts our energy. Mentally, azurite stone gives us a spirit of understanding and allows us to discover the roots of our ideologies. Spiritually, it bestows us the guidelines to find what we truly need and what we therefore must do. In litho therapy, azurite stone expresses several things: it suggests that we think and reflect before acting. Researchers and academics are advised to leave azurite stones on their desks as they encourage innovation and imagination.

Azurite stone supports the eyes and nervous system. It allows us to centralise our energy to the forehead and thus the third eye. Physically, azurite stone has several benefits, including: quick recovery after an operation, consolidation of the joints, fluidizing of blood circulation and positive effects on the entire nervous system.