Azurite from azur, the French word for "axure", the blue color of the clear sky. Azurite is a solid deep blue mineral consisting of basic carbonate of copper. It is found in a variety of forms including massive pieces, nodules and crystallized clusters. Too soft to be used as an ornamental stone, azurite was used in ancient times, and even today, as a color pigment. Although it is rarely available in cut form the stone has a strong luster when cut and polished.
Known as a "stone of heaven", azurite was a sacred stone for the Native Americans and was used to contact spiritual guides. The Mayans used the stone to awaken psychic abilities and promote the transfer of information through thought. In many other ancient civilization the stone has been a symbol of status.
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