Amazonite is a gemstone variety of green microcline, a feldspar mineral. It is named after the Amazon river in Brazil. Surprisingly, no deposits of it have been found there. The name may refer to the variable green shades of the rainforest along the big river that are reflected in the gemstone. Amazonite, is usually cut en cabochon, with a rounded and convex polished surface. In fact a fine quality amazonite can be mistaken for precious jade. Like jade, Amazonite is often carved as well. Amazonite does not undergo any kind of treatment. Its relative softness of 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale makes Amazonite vulnerable to pressure and scratches and requires some care. Amazonite, though not common, is still very affordable.
Amazonite is said to calm one's emotions and soothe nerves, and to enhance creativity and the ability to express oneself. Perhaps the strongest recommendation of its metaphysical powers is that Amazonite is said to make your married life happier.
Amazonite colors
Buying Amazonite
Where is Amazonite found?
Common Amazonite treatments
World-famous Amazonite
Amazonite gemology
Amazonite legends & lore
Amazonite colors
Amazonite color varies from green, yellow-green to blue-green. The color distribution is irregular. Some gemstones may also exhibit fine white streaks.
Buying Amazonite
Amazonite is slightly soft, 6-6.5 on the (Mohs scale), sensitive to pressure and be scratched by harder stones. It is advisable to store amazonite stones in separate boxes.
Color
Amazonite of a saturated, evenly distributed green would be the best choice when it comes to color.
Lighting
Amazonite exposes its beauty best in daylight, more precisely in the hours after sunrise and before sunset, when the light is warm and soft.
Clarity
Amazonite is opaque to translucent and rarely transparent. Its luster is vitreous.
Cut
Amazonite is usually cut en cabochon. The green stone, set in silver, creates nice pieces of jewelry, be it bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, or brooches and pendants. Ornamental objects can be carved as well.
Amazonite location and deposits
The most important deposits are found in Colorado (since 1876). Other locations are in Brazil, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, Russia and Zimbabwe.
Common Amazonite treatments
Amazonite is not enhanced.
World-famous Amazonite
Amazonite has not gained a great deal of fame. But it can look back to a long history, because ornamental objects have been found that were carved in ancient Egypt.
Amazonite gemology
Species: Feldspar
Color: Green, blue-green
Chemical composition: KalSi3O8 potassium aluminum silicate
Crystal system: Triclinic, prismatic
Hardness: 6-6.5 (Mohs scale)
Specific gravity: 2.56 – 2.58
Refractive index: 1.522 – 1.530
Birefringence: -0.008
Color of streak: White,
Absorption spectrum: Not diagnostic
Fluorescence: Weak; olive-green
The Amazonite zodiac, myth & legend
Romantics claim that the beautiful green of the Amazon jungle is reflected in the stone that bears its name. A Brazilian legend tells that the Amazons, the legendary female warriors, gave green stones to the men who visited them. This was believed to be Amazonite, but was probably nephrite (jade).
The best recommendation of its metaphysical power states: Amazonite makes your married life happier.
The healing powers of gems remain a controversial issue, but are mentioned for centuries by healers, shamans and medicine men. Whether it’s a fact or a placebo effect doesn’t matter, if it helps. The safest approach is to wear the gemstone in skin contact to the troubled part of the body. Amazonite is said to calm one's emotions and soothe nerves, and to enhance creativity and the ability to express oneself. The deeper the color of the amazonite, the more intense the effect is said to be. |
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