All About Amazonite

Among the large number of minerals found in different countries, amazonite is definitely "not lost." But this stone is not too famous, and it is time to fill such a gap. Let's try to figure out what exactly is hidden behind this unusual name.

In some sources, one can find the statement that amazonite is named after the Amazon river. It was as if just on its shores the deposits of this mineral were first discovered. In reality, they did not find him there - neither in the past, nor now. What was considered South American amazonite turned out to be just jade. One of the legends about the origin of the stone says that it was used by mythical Amazons.

And not only used, but also attached sacred meaning to the rock. It was even claimed that amazonite was perceived by them as a source of courage and military success. Is this so, it is unlikely to ever become known.

It was used:

• in decorative products for the burial of the pharaohs;
• in the external design of the tombs;
• in various mosaics.

In the old days, the inhabitants of Sudan, as well as Indians, used the original type of mineral with the entry of feldspar:

• in the preparation of jewelry;
• in the production of talismans;
• in facing of various buildings.

If you abandon the legends about the Amazons and other things, and turn to the real facts, then it is easy to find out that Amazonite was mined at least in Ancient Egypt. Ancient mines were found in Ethiopia.Decorative items from this mineral are found during archaeological searches, and they were found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. However, it is not known for certain how exactly this stone was called in antiquity.

Other names later met: green moonstone, emerald edelspat, Amazonian or Colorado jade. There is evidence that in our country the first mineral deposits were discovered in the 1780s. But the South Ural deposits are not being developed now. Some sources are completely exhausted, while others are in the protected area.. The main stone mining in our country falls on the Kola Peninsula.

Other deposits are located in the vicinity of Lake Baikal and in the eastern part of the Sayan Mountains. The difference between gems is largely due to their color. Outside of our country, amazonite is mined for:

• Finnish
• Kyrgyz;
• Canadian
• American
• Indian
• Tajik and some other deposits.

Amazonite is a blue mineral, which many attribute to the number of the most beautiful creations of nature. The stone is easily confused with turquoise or jade. These samples of amazonite are almost not amenable to mechanical processing. Even staining it is impossible. The reason lies in the unusual pattern on the surface.

To reproduce such a picture is artificially impossible. Therefore, in the description of the mineral, it is appropriate to mention that it is not produced in factories. For consumers, this means that the danger of counterfeiting is close to zero. The stone is appreciated by lovers of the elegant, and manufacturers of souvenirs. Its characteristic bright, saturated tonality led to the widespread use of the mineral in:

• jewelry industry;
• jewelry manufacturing;
• the manufacture of decorative vases and caskets;
• the production of ashtrays and other important items.

Amazonite sometimes looks in the most bizarre way. It can be painted in delicate gray and in a dense green color. A variety of transitional shades are known, as well as slightly blue, yellow and emerald colors. The color of amazonites is always uneven. The surface is covered with whitish lines, specks. In some cases, these inclusions (consisting of feldspar) are similar to simple ornaments. In many descriptions, it is noted that amazonite has an incredibly beautiful ebb.. For a long time, it was not possible to reveal the secret of the atypical color of the stone. But after a long scientific search, it was found that it includes iron, lead and rubidium. It is from them that cold shades depend.

The most valuable is amazonite containing albite. Such a mineral is distinguished by the most attractive mesh pattern and blue color. Coarse peritone amazonite has a clearly visible pattern, and just contains a lot of albite. The fine-peritite variety is not so clearly drawn, but it differs in an attractive tint like nacre.

Semiprecious stone is now mined in various countries. In Russia, it is found on the Kola Peninsula and in the Urals. The main Ural deposits are concentrated near Yekaterinburg. Outside the Russian Federation, the main sources of amazonite are:

• India;
• selected African countries;
• Mongolia;
• USA;
• Canada;
• Tajikistan;
• Norway.

The mine method is not used - quarries are digging everywhere. To cut the extracted raw materials use diamond saws. They operate at high speeds. After cutting, soap or soda solutions are used. Important: amazonite cannot be treated with kerosene, mineral oil or diesel fuel.

Even their small amounts adversely affect the quality of the crystals. It is very likely that the coloring and nuances of the picture will be lost forever. The next stage of processing is the so-called drawing.

The technology has been worked out very carefully. It is aimed at giving natural raw materials an unusual look. It becomes as if polished to a mirror shine. Only trained specialists are allowed to treat amazonite. Inexperienced craftsmen can easily damage the fragile structure of a mineral.

According to some reports, there is Peruvian Amazonite. But we must take into account that in a number of countries it is mined not in primary deposits, but in the mines. These are the mineral resources of Brazil, India, Madagascar and Namibia. The stone mined in the region of Parusnaya Mountain and Ploskaya Mountain (both in the Murmansk Region) is notable for its unusual purity. Amazonite appears as a result of volcanic processes, and this decorative mineral is not found so often.

According to some people, the importance of amazonite for a person is not limited only to aesthetic pleasure. In a number of ancient sources it was mentioned that this mineral cures many diseases. Or at least facilitates their course. In folk medicine, amazonite was considered a good remedy for:

• headache (including migraine);
• tooth disorders;
• dermatological disorders;
• pathologies of the spinal column and joints;
• malfunctioning of blood vessels (including varicose veins).

According to other information, amazonite is also struggling with epilepsy, overweight, respiratory ailments and lesions of the central, peripheral nervous system. It can be used to correct pathologies in the work of the heart and thyroid gland.. But we must remember that all this information is not confirmed. It is strictly unacceptable to replace normal treatment with amazonite.

Quite a lot of mystics, psychics and their fans believe that the mineral has extraordinary power. It is used in the manufacture of amulets and talismans. Yes, even in mystical literature it is not mentioned that amazonite leads to the fulfillment of desires.

Believe it or not in all the stories about unusual properties - it is up to each person to decide. It is believed that the mineral allows you to abandon the stormy elements of life, and thereby helps with meditation. And even without them, he helps to calm down, strengthens confidence. It is often written that amazonite allows you to:

• avoid erroneous decisions;
• repel aggression from enemies and envy;
• increase oratory;
• fasten the family union;
• more efficiently do housework.

The use of products from amazonite can be limited only by aesthetic taste. However, many people hold various mystical ideas about him. According to these ideas, it is necessary to wear a stone, first of all, for those who want to overcome their temper and anger. At the same time, not only irritation attacks are suppressed, but also the risk of making a rash act is reduced. Amazonite is also recommended for the elderly.

Even the mystics, of course, did not have enough courage to claim that he would restore youth. But they are talking about an additional charge of vivacity. And even if the whole thing is the placebo effect, this is welcome.

There are other effects attributed to the stone. So, for entrepreneurs and just for those with a passion for personalities, he is also recommended. And a noble green color, according to some people, helps to calm. Wearing this mineral is suitable for those who constantly suffer from excessive excitability of the nervous system. When preparing to give amazonite and articles made of it, it is also useful to know what astrologers who trust them can advise.

The prevailing opinion among them is that the stone is suitable for Libra, Gemini and Aquarius. In the first case, it is assumed that he is able to remove enslavement, while strengthening protection from enemies and unfriendly people. Gemini stars are usually told that this mineral will improve their financial well-being. But not only him, it is sometimes reported that he facilitates the achievement of a variety of goals.

As for Aquarius, experts note the alleged ability of amazonite to structure thinking and get rid of mental chaos. It is noted that there are no significant restrictions on the wearing of amazonite. But parapsychologists are convinced that he is distinguished by "finicky" and is not compatible with all people. If amazonite "does not evaluate" a person positively, then protection can not be expected. On the contrary, the mineral will make every effort to maximize all negative traits of character and pathology.

But if the mystical information regarding amazonite is a private affair of everyone, then things are different with the verification of its authenticity. Strictly speaking, the cost of this stone is not so great that it would be beneficial to falsify it. The problem is different - there is a high probability of confusion with other minerals. Genuine amazonite, even untreated, heats up relatively slowly. You can verify this by holding it in your hands for a while.

A quality sample, by definition, cannot be transparent. Any normal treatment will only give it some shine. To check this, you need to look at the stone in bright daylight or in the rays of a powerful electric lamp. Only opaque instances and it makes sense to buy.

Amazonite and products from it do not impose special requirements during storage and daily use.

But at the same time they are dangerous:

• impacts (because of them, the mineral may completely or partially crack);
• strong warming up;
• exposure to solar energy.

To minimize the likelihood of scratches or other defects, it is advisable to store amazonite in a case. If there is no cover at hand, just use a soft cloth. Choosing a place where to leave the decoration, prefer relatively cool areas. In this case, there should not even be episodic jumps in temperature.

Using hard brushes and abrasives to clean amazonite is not recommended. Harsh chemicals are also undesirable. The best option - treatment with a warm solution of toilet soap. When the procedure is completed, the mineral is thoroughly wiped to ensure its dryness. Then they return to their original place, while not forgetting to check that there is no danger of shock or fall.

Amazonite is appreciated by the creators of souvenirs and similar products.

Often often made of:

• caskets;
• vases;
• various ashtrays and coasters;
• figurines in various styles.

Exotic mineral is used in the manufacture of chessboards (as an insert). On its basis, luxurious mosaics are often created. Both souvenirs (for example, amazonite beads) and entire sculptures are exhibited in the leading museums of the planet. Amazonite is also valued by jewelers. From it they make:

• pendants;
• brooches;
• rings
• earrings;
• beads;
• pendants.

Experts note that the tiger eye in combination with amazonite looks quite attractive. In mono format, the stone is usually placed in a silver frame. But other metals can also be used. Of the massive stones, amazonite forms successful combinations with turquoise and blue opals. Of the more rare ones - with chrysocolla, larimar, shattukit.

Together with sodalite, this mineral is used in the manufacture of decorative necklaces.It is also worth noting the external elegance of combinations with smoky quartz, topazes, aventurines, hematites, labradorites, lapis lazuli. The acquisition of amazonite and products from it is possible in various places. The exact cost is determined by the specific type of stone, its size and type of jewelry or decorative products.

In the next video you will find more information about Amazonite.