Azurite or chessylite is a dark blue gemstone found in the upper oxidized portions of copper deposits. The name "Azurite" comes from the Persian lazhward meaning "blue." Azurite ranges from a dark, greenish blue to a blue-black color, and varies in hardness from Agate to Turquoise. It is often found mixed with Malachite and has the same chemical composition. In time, malachite can replace azurite crystals. As some medieval painters ground it for use in their paintings, some formerly blue skies have now turned green.

Ancient Romans and Egyptians used this stone for greater insight, psychic ability, and hypnotism. According to Native American lore, it may be helpful in contacting and understanding your spirit guides. Like all stones of the copper family, azurite can calm personal stress and relax inner confusion. Like amber, it is a “rubbing stone” in that it likes to be touched in order to release its energies. Placed on the forehead at night, it has been used at night to clarify dreams. It also enhances creative energies and self-confidence.

Azurite, which can be found in a variety of structural forms, is a carbonate mineral that is popular with collectors, jewelers, and artists because of its vivid blue coloration. This comes from its high copper content. It has been used as a base ingredient for dyes and paints from the earliest days of civilization. It is frequently associated with malachite (as can be seen in the image above), and this can lead to rocks that are colored with strong bands of green and blue. It is not an important ore of copper, but good specimens are highly prized for display purposes.