Healing with Crystals: Azurite

Azurite is a copper (II) carbonate mineral that is known as the "stone of heaven." It is considered to be a sacred stone among the Native Americans. It crystallizes in the form of nodular concretions (nodules), masses, short prismatic crystals, and tabular crystals; on occasion it forms as stalactites.

Azurite occurs in numerous locations. The largest crystals are found in Tsumeb, Namibia. Other localities include Australia, China, France, England, Germany, Greece, Mexico, the Ural Mountains of Russia, and Arizona, Colorado, and Utah in the United States.

The color of azurite ranges from light blue to deep blue and gives off a vitreous shine. It is a very soft mineral that tends to lose its deep blue color as it erodes and when heat is applied so it is only used on occasion in the making of jewelry.

During the Renaissance period and the Middle Ages it was one of the most important pigments in European paintings. Collectors value this stone because of its color. In order to preserve its color it should be kept in a place that is dark and cool.

Copper minerals are very toxic and should not be ingested. Although this stone is valuable for its physical healing properties it is not safe to use it as an elixir for ingestion. Its toxicity is also hazardous to aquatic life and should not be used as an ornamental stone in fresh water, and especially salt-water, aquariums.

Metaphysical Properties of Azurite

-Provides guidance via the third-eye and motivates one in pursuit of the "heavenly self."

-Allows for the articulation of psychic experiences.

-Offers insight into all areas of ones life.

-Expands ones creative talent.

-Eliminates worries and anxieties that are always at the "back of ones mind." To remedy this anxiety one simply holds the stone and asks the worrying thoughts to go away.

-In its nodule form azurite is an excellent stone for stimulating the third-eye and the intuitive and psychic selves.

-Facilitates contact with ones spiritual guides.

-Attunes the physical body to the spiritual body and aligns the chakras.

-Helpful when studying for exams as it opens the mind and makes one more receptive to retaining information.

-Promotes development of the psychic self.

Healing Properties of Azurite

-Aids in detoxification of the body.

-Stimulates nerve and brain activity and supports proper functioning of the synapses.

-Restructures the arrangement of the vertebrae, rib cage, and small bones which are malformed. It is also useful in the treatment of spinal alignment.

-Useful in correcting disorders of the circulatory system.

-Effective in alleviating spasms and tics.

-Encourages proper functioning of the liver.

-Promotes growth by stimulating activity of the thyroid gland.

-Inspires ones gentle and empathetic character.

The astrological sign for azurite is Sagittarius. It vibrates to the number one.

Sources

www.mineralszone.com

www.mineralminers.com

www.bernardine.com

www.crystal-cure.com

Melody. (1995). Love is in the Earth: A Kaleidoscope of Crystals. Wheat Ridge, Colorado: Earth-Love Publishing House.