History & Introduction

Amazonite also famous as the Amazon Stone, is a gem variety of green microcline coming from the feldspar family. Amazonite got its name from the river Amazon which is flowing in Brazil. Though the existence of amazonite is long ago, but as per mineralogists in the area of Amazon, there was an absence of green deposits of feldspar. Except the Amazon River area, the availability of Amazonite gemstone is natural in Brazil along with other green feldspars.

The soft and rich color of amazonite give a close look like the nephrite and jadeite. The Amazonite possess a very typical look consisting of grid-like, white pattern and mottled green. Amazonite even carries a very faint sheen, which includes to its uniqueness. The soft green to blue green color, frequently gives thin white streaks intermingle the green. It is the birthstone of December.

It crystallizes at relatively less temperatures. At less crystallization temperatures the Amazonite, potassium feldspar, and the Albite, sodium feldspar get separated into layers. Furthermore it gets into thin layers of white bands of Albite within the green amazonite crystal. For ages, the mystery of the source of color of Amazonite was unknown, however as per latest theory the blue-green color results from small quantities of lead and water in the feldspar.

According to Greek Mythology the Amazons was known as a nation of women warriors. Still, there are many views regarding the historical existence of the Amazons as a person, this is more likely the source of the name of this stone.

Amazonite has a calming effect on the emotions and nervous system. It promotes creativity and clarity of thought. It is said to be useful in treating eye problems, fevers, and to ease childbirth. Amazonite was also worn as jewelry in pre-Columbian South and even Central America, and it was said that it adorned the shields of the semi-mythical Amazonians, which is a formidable tribe of female warriors believed to live in the 10th century B.C. Amazonite was even used medicinally to heal wounds and illnesses of all kinds.

Amazonite, also known as Amazon Jade or Amazon Stone, exists in green to blue-green variety of Microcline, which is a Feldspar mineral forming a short prismatic or tabular crystals or in masses. It is a soft stone so utter care should be taken while wearing, or in storing with other minerals.

Recognize - Amazonite is recognized and discern into various ways. It is commonly confused with various other similar gemstones too on the contrary, it is distinguished easily also. Testing for refractive index and density is a very common and effective way to recognize amazonite. Polariscope testing can identify between isotropic (singly refractive) and anisotropic (doubly refractive) stones, which is helpful in discerning similar gemstones.

Availability - Large prismatic crystals of amazonite gemstone is found in Colorado, USA, and in the Park and Teller counties, in the Ilmen Mountains of Russia, including Madagascar, and Brazil.

Usages - Amazonite gemstone is less expensive and mainly used in beads, cabochons and carvings. Amazonite possesses natural beauty, quality, thus it is more used for the making of jewelry and other ornamental objects. It consist of a glassy iridescence and ranges from translucent to opaque. The deep blue-green color of Amazonite is beautiful embossed in both gold and silver settings.

Buying Guide

Color - Amazonite colors vary from green and yellow-green to blue-green. The color distribution found is mottled and irregular. There are amazonite stones found that may exhibit fine white streaks. This specific color of Amazonite is because of iron impurities that presents a striking bluish green color. The most desirable specimens are the one with evenly distributed and saturated colors. To see the best look of amazonite gemstone then see under soft and warm daylight that is shortly after sunrise and just before sunset.

Clarity and Luster - Naturally the availability of amazonite is from opaque to translucent. The transparent form of the stone is very rare. The luster that amazonite gemstone possess is vitreous and when polished it appears to be waxy shiny. Though it is a rare stone, then also the stone is affordable in the market.

Cut and Shape - Amazonite gemstones are available in a range of different shapes and cutting styles. They are mostly cut en cabochon and are faceted not so often. Tumbled stones and beads are quite famous, especially related to handmade Amazonite jewelry. The cabochons most of them are cut into shapes that are oval or round, however the common shapes are fancy and free-form. In carvings the amazonite gemstone is mainly found in cameos, animals and other objects of nature. There are carvings available these days are historical and can be traced back to ancient Egypt.

Treatment - Amazonite is not treated naturally or enhanced in any way.

Gemological Characteristics:

Chemical Formula	KAlSi3O8 Potassium aluminum silicate
Color	Blue, Green, Purple, Gray, Multicolored
Hardness	6 - 6.5
Crystal System	Triclinic
Refractive Index	1.52 - 1.53
SG	2.56 - 2.58
Transparency	Translucent to opaque
Double Refraction	-.008
Luster	Vitreous
Cleavage	2,1 - basal ; 2,1 - prismatic ; 3,1 - pinacoidal
Mineral Class	Microcline
Fluorescence	Weak, olive-green
Absorption Spectrum	Not diagnostic

Classification:

• Blue Amazonite
• Green Amazonite
• Purple Amazonite
• Grey Amazonite
• Multicolored Amazonite