The mineral rock Amazonite was valued by the ancient Egyptians, who made beautiful jewelry, crafts and carved important texts from it. Amazonite has always been valued for its beauty and healing powers. This pale green mineral stone is believed to date back to the 10th century BC.
Amazonite is also known as the “Amazon stone” because it is believed to have been discovered in the Amazon River basin in Brazil. However, no deposits are actually found there, and instead Amazonite is present in other areas of Brazil, Colorado and Virginia in the United States, Australia and Madagascar.
There are stories of female warriors of the ancient Amazon tribe in Brazil using Amazonite stones to decorate their shields, treat illnesses, and heal wounds. Brazilian legend says that the inhabitants of the Amazon gave “green stones” to visitors to the region.The Europeans were already familiar with the green microcline from Russia and decided that the blue-green stone given to them by the Indians of South America was the same stone. As it turned out, the legend most likely referred to jade.
The conquistadors decorated themselves with amazonite, and the ancient Egyptians carved the seventh chapter of “The Judgment of Osiris” from the “Book of the Dead” on amazonite slabs. A scarab ring and a number of other objects carved from green amazonite were found along with Tutankhamun's treasures.
Amazonite stone is also called “Colorado jade” or “Pikes Peak jade” due to its similarity to jade. Amazonite is usually pale green in color, but can sometimes be blue-green, turquoise or yellow-green and also have white veins.
Metaphysical properties of Amazonite
Amazonite is believed to have many metaphysical properties. Amazonite stones are said to have great healing powers. Like jade, Amazonite is associated with money, luck and overall success. It is known as the “gambler's stone”, promoting luck and good fortune.
Amazonite is believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system. Since the nervous system controls much of our emotions, this stone calms tense and aggravated situations and enhances love. Since this stone is associated with the throat and heart, it is best worn as a necklace near these areas. Amazonite is believed to imbue its owner with truth, honor and honesty.
Amazonite is used to treat fatigue, injuries and anything else that can sap a person's energy. The stone helps with problems with the thyroid gland, and also helps in the treatment of alcoholism.It has mild healing properties that are beneficial to almost everyone in general.
Geological properties of Amazonite
Amazonite, also known as “Amazon stone,” is a translucent blue-green variety of microcline feldspar. Amazonite is a mineral of limited distribution and is present in parts of Brazil, Colorado and Virginia in the United States, Australia and Madagascar.
Amazonite is a mostly opaque stone with a pale milky-white texture and has cloudiness or veining ranging from light green to greenish blue to dark green/blue in color. The soft and attractive color of Amazonite is very reminiscent of jade and jadeite. The appearance of Amazonite is very characteristic with its reticulated, variegated, green and white pattern. The color of Amazonite is due to the presence of lead in the stone, and color variations may occur within the same stone.
Amazonite can form the largest crystals of any known mineral, which is why it is confused with turquoise and jade.
Proper care of Amazonite
Amazonite is sensitive to chemicals, abrasives, heat, acids and ammonia. Never use steamer, hot water or ultrasonic cleaners with this gemstone. Use mild soap and room temperature tap water with a soft cloth to maintain the shine of the gemstone.
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