'azurite' originates from French, specifically the word 'azurite', where 'azur' meant 'blue' (from a long-established root for blue).

'azurite' changed from Old French/Medieval Latin forms related to 'azur' (and ultimately to words for lapis lazuli) and eventually became the modern English word 'azurite' for the specific blue mineral.

Initially it was associated broadly with 'blue' or 'blue stones' (such as lapis lazuli); over time it came to denote this particular blue copper mineral and its pigment.