RocksdayAzurite vs Malachite
How to tell them apart
An intensely deep blue copper carbonate. Over time it slowly converts to green malachite, and the two are often found together.
Photo: Ivar Leidus, CC BY-SA 4.0
A vivid green copper carbonate with bold light-and-dark banding. It forms where copper deposits weather near the surface.
Photo: JJ Harrison (https://www.jjharrison.com.au/), CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick tests
- Streak (rub on unglazed porcelain): Azurite leaves a light blue streak; Malachite leaves light green.
Key differences
- Azurite is deep blue; the two often grow together.
Side by side
| Property | Azurite | Malachite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mineral | Mineral |
| Mohs hardness | 3.5–4 | 3.5–4 |
| Luster | Vitreous | Silky to dull |
| Streak | Light blue | Light green |
| Colors | Blue | Green |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic | Monoclinic |
| Specific gravity | 3.77–3.78 | 3.6–4.05 |
| Formula | Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂ | Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂ |
| Found in | Bisbee, Arizona; Tsumeb, Namibia | Katanga, DR Congo; Ural Mountains, Russia |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
How to identify azurite
- Deep 'azure' blue, often with green malachite.
- Fizzes in acid.
- Soft — a knife scratches it.
- Light blue streak.
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Full Azurite guide →How to identify malachite
- Bright green with concentric light/dark bands.
- Fizzes in acid.
- Feels heavy for a stone.
- Light green streak.
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Full Malachite guide →More comparisons
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
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