Amazonite

SCIENTIFIC

Amazonite is a generally a green variety of microcline a potassium aluminum silicate generally formed in a lower temperature environment than orthoclase, also a potassium aluminum silicate.  Colors of amazonite can range from a deep blue to turquoise to a blue green.  Microcline has a more highly ordered crystal structure than orthoclase and is generally found in pegmatites whereas orthoclase is most often found in granites that formed during the solidification of molten rock deep in the earth.  The reason for the green coloring of this variety of microcline is not well understood, but it appears that the presence of minute quantities of lead and water in the crystal structure are important, but also the presence of rubidium, thallium and possibly iron also contribute to the color.  It is likely that the color may be due to the aggregate effect of several mutually inclusive and necessary factors.  Its name is taken from the Amazon River from which green stones were obtained, but it is unknown if those were amazonite.

USES

Amazonite has been used as jewelry for over 4000 years having been found in archaeological finds in the Middle and New Kingdoms of Egypt, Mesopotamia, and India, although no ancient or medieval authority mentions it specifically.  A scarab ring of amazonite was found in King Tutankhamen’s burial chamber.

MEANING

Amazonite is said to sooth the nervous system, helping to calm tense and aggravating situations and is said to be a stone of peace, harmony, truth and communication.  The stone is associated with the heart and throat chakras and helps to bring out true thoughts and express then calmly. Any environment that Amazonite is placed in will help calm the energy and fill the air with positive energies. It’s been called the “peacemaker stone” due to its communicative abilities.