AMAZONITE

AMAZONITE

Amazonite is a variety of Microcline, a green feldspar.

Amazonite is named after the Amazon River in Brazil, probably as a marketing advertisement. This is because Amazonite though it is found in Brazil, however, it is not found in the Amazon Jungle or Amazon River. The name was coined by German mineralogist Johann Breithaupt in 1847.

Perhaps the reason why this stone was called Amazonite is because of the legend of the women Amazon, who was said used this gemstone in the decoration of their weaponry.

The Amazon women warriors were worshipers of the Moon (from the Greek MAZA). Diana was a Moon goddess and a woman's goddess. No man was allowed to see her naked. The one who dared, such as Acteon (who saw Diana bathing), was turned into a stag and was ripped apart by his own hunting dogs. The Amazon women, thus, were worshipers of the Moon goddess Diana. And no men were allowed to live among them; this means that besides being Warriors, they were also highly devout priestess.

Amazonite is a green to blue colored precious stone. It has a vitreous luster, it is smooth and waxy, shiny and bright. It has a weak, olive-green fluorescence. It has a perfect cleavage. Some Amazonite, however, come with unique patterns, such as swirls and stripes.

Its transparency is opaque with just a few examples being translucent in a white color with a gray or yellowish touch background color. The translucent Amazonite is the most sought after. Because of its rarity, it is therefore, more valuable.

Amazonite has a hardness of 6 - 6.5 on the Mohs scale. It is cut into cabochons and beads and made with a protective setting to protect it from chipping or cracking.

Amazonite is one of the oldest used gemstones. It was used by the Stone-Age (neo-lithic) man 10,000 years ago.

Amazonite was also known and highly esteemed in ancient Egypt. It was used to make beads and amulets. It decorated bracelets, armbands and collar pieces for the nobility back then. An amazonite scarab ring was found in King Tut's tomb. Pieces of jewelry made with amazonite were found in burial tombs of the Egyptian nobility. Amazonite was used extensively in ancient Egypt because the stone signified rebirth in the afterlife, fertility, joy and lush vegetation.

Scientist are still debating what makes amazonite green. At first it was theorized that it was the presence of copper that made it green. Then it was thought to be due to traces of lead and now scientists are suggesting that perhaps it is iron impurities that give amazonite its beautiful green color. Regardless of the reason for its color, this stone exudes a sense of peace and calmness.

As stated above, Amazonite gemstone has yet to be found either in the Amazon river or in the Amazon jungle. Nonetheless, the name stuck and today besides being known as Amazonite, it is also known as the Amazon Stone and the Amazon Jade. Note, Pikes Peak Jade and Colorado Jade are also Amazonite gemstones found in the United States.

Amazonite can be found in China, Mongolia, Mogok in Burma or Myanmar, Russia, Ethiopia, Brazil (although not in the Amazonian River or Jungle), and in the United States. Some of the finest Amazonites are found in the State of Colorado, at Pikes Peak, in the United States.

In our modern society, we are inundated with electromagnetic pollution and radiation from home wifi, routers, microwaves, computers, handphones, x-rays, GPS and many more.

Amazonite is today’s antidote for these pollution. This electromagnetic radiation that we are bombarded with every second of our lives is the reason for our lack of concentration, lack of sleep, feeling down and lethargic, being irritated and nervous, stomach problems, psychosis, stress, cancer and a weak immune system.

*[NOTE: Black Tourmaline is the other gemstone that absorbs EMF radiation which makes it excellent for radiation protection from cell phones, computers, and other electronics].

Amazonite also helps to cleanse cluttered thoughts and brings you clarity of mind. It in turn helps you to focus and work on achieving your goals.

In artistic and creative field, amazonite harnesses creativity and visualisation skills. This also helps in meditation and spiritual practice.

Amazonite is also known as the ‘Stone of Success and Abundance.’ This is because it attracts money and good fortune. It is also known as a gambler’s Lucky Charm stone.

Amazonite has a direct connection with the lungs and livers. It prevents osteoporosis, tooth decay and any form of calcium deficiency. It is also believed to decalcify the pineal gland to bring about clarity, spiritual awareness and truth.

Amazonite should be cleansed every week with running warm water and then sun bathing it in for about an hour.