Amazonite

Art, Passion, and Life

Amazonite and Garnet
Large Russian Amazonite pendant with garnet accent. Sterling silver $55
more info...

Amazonite

Amazonite is a gem variety of microcline feldspar and is usually polished as a cabochon. It displays a schiller of light which is caused by inclusions. Schiller is a lustrous reflection from planes in a mineral grain and is similar to what is more commonly known as iridescence. The schiller is caused by a feature of the stone's crystal structure. Orthoclase feldspar and albite are present in close association, arranged in layers. This causes an interference effect of light.

Amazonite is found in the United States, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Russia, Australia, Namibia. Amazonite is usually light green to blue-green, mottled and sometimes contains light striations. A relatively soft stone, Amazonite ranges from 5-6 on the Mohs scale. Amazonite varies from bright verdigris green to a bluish green.

Class: tektosilicate
Specific gravity: 2.56-2.57
Luster: vitreous
Transparency: opaque to translucent
Fracture: conchoidal

Folklore, Legend, Healing Properties:
Enhances creative expression, aligns astral bodies, unity with life. Improves self worth. Amazonite is considered a soothing stone that offers confidence and works on the throat chakra. It is called the "hope stone" because it inspires confidence and hope. One source says it is useful to activate lazy teenagers.

A semi-opaque stone that was used extensively by the Egyptians it is called the stone of courage and is said to be named after the Amazon women warriors. Some archaeological evidence suggests that the Amazonians were a matriarchal society during the Bronze Age.

Another legend says the name Amazonite comes from the belief that it was found in the Amazon river.

http://www.bernardine.com/gemstones/amazonite.htm