Editing Azurite (section)

===Weathering===
Azurite is unstable in open air compared to malachite, and often is [[pseudomorph]]ically replaced by [[malachite]]. This weathering process involves the replacement of some of the carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>) units with water (H<sub>2</sub>O), changing the carbonate:hydroxide ratio of azurite from 1:1 to the 1:2 ratio of malachite:<ref name=HurlbutKlein/>

: 2 Cu<sub>3</sub>(CO<sub>3</sub>)<sub>2</sub>(OH)<sub>2</sub> + H<sub>2</sub>O → 3 Cu<sub>2</sub>(CO<sub>3</sub>)(OH)<sub>2</sub> + CO<sub>2</sub>

From the above equation, the conversion of azurite into malachite is attributable to the low partial pressure of carbon dioxide in air.

Azurite is quite stable under ordinary storage conditions, so that specimens retain their deep blue color for long periods of time.<ref name=Desautels>{{cite journal |last1=Desautels |first1=Paul E. |title=Some Thoughts about Azurite |journal=Rocks & Minerals |date=January 1991 |volume=66 |issue=1 |pages=14–23 |doi=10.1080/00357529.1991.11761595|bibcode=1991RoMin..66...14D }}</ref>