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- 1. Amazonite
- 2. Amazonite, the Meaning and History
- 3. Metaphysicochemical Properties of Amazonite
- 4. Amazonite Deposits
- 5. Healing Properties of Amazonite
- 6. Magical Properties of Amazonite
- 7. Amazonite for Sale by KenKenGems
Amazonite
Amazonite is a wonderful gem. It was named after the world’s second-longest river, the Amazon, but it is not actually found in its basin. They say that the gem is a symbol of courage but, at the same time, it is a patron saint for women. It is easy to confuse it with aquamarine or turquoise but it is in a class of its own. Clearly, the jewel is bristling with contradictions. Nevertheless, it is as beautiful as it is mysterious. Your gemstone collection won’t be complete without a jewel resembling warm tropical waters.
Amazonite, the Meaning and History
The history of amazonite is full of contradictions. Large deposits of this mineral were found in South America in the 18th century. Presumably, the stone was named after the Amazon River. Interestingly, not a single deposit has been detected in the Amazon area since then. Moreover, it was later discovered that the Europeans had known this gem long before Columbus's journey across the ocean.
Archeologists found silver jewelry featuring amazonite in the tomb of Tutankhamen. According to legends, one of the chapters of the Book of the Dead was engraved on amazonite plates. In view of these facts, it remains unclear who first discovered this stone and what name it had in the past.
Although it is common to believe that amazonite’s name is a node to the Amazon River, some experts insist that the stone is associated with the tribes of the warlike Amazons. Legends say that the female warriors used to adorn themselves with green jewels before going to battles.
Metaphysicochemical Properties of Amazonite
Amazonite is a variety of microcline and it belongs to the class of potassium feldspars. The mineral is found in hydrothermal formations, pegmatites, and granites. Normally, it is formed as coarse-grained aggregates (druses) and irregularly shaped veins. It also grows as large crystals up to 1.5 meters long.
Amazonite has a blue-green color, which doesn’t change when the stone is observed at different angles. When it is heated to 500 °C, the gem becomes white but it restores its pigmentation in X-ray radiation. The color is lost irreversibly when amazonite is heated to 600 °C.
The color of the mineral varies from apple-green and turquoise to yellowish-gray with irregular greenish veins. Hematologists believe that this statement color is the action of lead, rubidium, and iron admixtures. Sometimes, you can come across amazonite crystals intergrown with albite, and this partnership results in reticular patterns. Among other companions of amazonite are mica and quartz.
The gem has a hardness of 6.0-6.5 on the Mohs scale, which makes it suitable for jewelry-making. The luster of cut specimens can be glassy, pearlescent, and even silky.
Amazonite Deposits
Amazonite is a gem of magmatic origin and it is quite rare in nature. The largest deposits are located in Russia. The stones mined on the Kola Peninsula in the Northern regions of Russia boast a vibrant green color deprived of any hints of blue. Deposits near Lake Baikal provide pale green specimens featuring a light blue tint. Along with that, high-quality amazonites are mined in Central Asia, Egypt, Ukraine, Brazil, Mongolia, Canada, India, USA, Norway, Madagascar, South Africa, and Namibia.
Top-notch amazonite crystals are sought-after collectibles. The greatest value is given to brightly colored specimens regardless of their dominant color. Stones that demonstrate pronounced streaks are normally priced a little higher than peers offering a solid color. That being said, amazonite remains a very affordable gemstone. Top-quality gems cost no more than a few dollars per carat.
Healing Properties of Amazonite
Medieval ladies wore amazonite beads to rejuvenate their skin and improve its color. People believed that this mineral had a powerful anti-aging property. It was supposed to return youth to the elderly as well as improve the condition of joints, teeth, and hair. Massage with amazonite beads or plates was prescribed to cure such ailments as arthritis, rheumatism, and osteochondrosis. Along with that, amazonite powder was considered a potent solution to battle tumors.
In Asian countries, you can benefit from massage with amazonite balls. This medical procedure is aimed at the treatment of varicose veins, clogged blood vessels, and cardiovascular diseases. In the Middle East, amazonite is a powerful remedy against headaches as well as protection from sunstroke. Modern lithotherapy recommends amazonite treatment if you have problems with veins and musculoskeletal system, skin diseases, cellulite, and obesity.
Magical Properties of Amazonite
One of the most valuable magical properties of amazonite is its ability to strengthen family ties. In addition to this, it is a well-known saint patron for women. It makes them wiser and more responsible as well as helps master the art of housekeeping. To make your home a peaceful and safe place, you can put amazonite stone into the foundation during construction.
Thanks to its remarkable green color, amazonite brings harmony to life and strengthens the nervous system. It is also able to relieve anxiety and battle uncertainty. These properties make the stone a symbol of courage and devotion, hence one of its alternative names is The Stone of Courage. On top of that, it promotes a good mood and attracts material wealth.
Amazonite for Sale by KenKenGems
Amazonite is a must-have gemstone. Not only is it fantastically beautiful but also very affordable. With KenKenGems, you can get a large polished amazonite stone for only $10. Thanks to patterns that never repeat, you can become an owner of a unique jewel. Oversize one-of-a-kind amazonites are excellent talismans and lucky charms, let alone they are the pride of place in any gemstone collection. If you’re looking for cheap amazonite for sale to craft DIY jewelry, we’ve got you covered as well. Our catalog provides beads, cabochons, and faceted stones of countless shapes and sizes. You can purchase loose stones, strands, half-strands, as well as amazonite in silver frames.
