This gem is named after the Amazon River; however, although it is mined in Brazil it has never been discovered near the river and as of yet we have been unable to find a reliable source that can explain how the gem’s name was derived.
Amazonite is a bluish green variety of microcline Feldspar and its appearance always resembles a piece of mottled modern art. This irregular hue varies from green to yellowish green to bluish green, with some specimens featuring white streaks.Amazonite is not heat treated by man, so its colours are always natural. Those who specialise in this gemstone say its beauty comes to life when viewed at sunrise or sunset.
Its colour was always believed to have come from the presence of copper, as its colour is similar to that of other gems that include copper, however more recently it has been discovered that the colouring agent in Amazonite is actually lead. In the past, finer green Amazonite specimens have been mistaken for Jade. Amazonite has been said to help calm one’s emotions and soothe nerves. It is also believed to enhance the ability to express oneself, but its strongest power of all is to make married life happier!
Amazonite is mined in various locations: the most important deposits are in Colorado, while other locations include Brazil, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Historically a lot of Amazonite available in the market was sourced from Chelyabinsk in Russia, but today very little is mined.
