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: