Azure, in heraldry, signifies a blue color, in the coats of arms of all persons under the degree of a baron. See COLOR. In the escutcheons of noblemen, blue is called Saphir; and in those of sovereign princes, Jupiter. In engraving, it is represented by strokes or hatches drawn horizontally, as in the annexed figure. The French prefer this color to all others, by reason the field of the arms of their kings is azure. Azure is also used for a mineral color, prepared from the Lapis Armenus. See ARMENUS. The azure is very near akin to ultramarine; being procured from the Armenian stone much after the same manner as the other is from lapis lazuli. See ULTRAMARINE and LAPIS LAZULI.