Azurite (Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2) is a deep blue copper carbonate hydroxide mineral. It is formed in the oxidized portion of copper deposits through the action of carbonated waters on other copper minerals. It is often found with the mineral malachite. Fine specimens come from Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico, and France, Mexico, Chile, Australia, Russia, Morocco, and Namibia.


Azurite was mined in ancient Egypt, and used as a source of metallic copper, as a pigment, and in the production of blue glaze. It was also used as a pigment in 15th to 17th century European art.


Azurite takes its name from the Persian word lazhuward, meaning "blue," in allusion to its azure-blue color.


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