Amazonite - the stone of the Amazons and its magical properties

Externally, this mineral resembles sea water. Its name is also associated with the greatest river in the world. It is inexpensive, but the unusual pattern makes each pebble unique. It is natural that the Amazonite stone does not suffer from people’s inattention. Sorcerers and witches use it as an energetic component of risky rituals, and ordinary citizens use it as a beautiful artifact or decoration.

What is this stone? Origin story

According to one version, in the 18th century, several bluish-green pebbles were found in the Amazon River basin. Because of the name of the river, the mineral was called Amazonian stone. But he was not found in those places again...

There is another explanation for the name of the mineral: militant Amazon women wore jewelry made of beautiful green stones. And their leader Hippolyta had a belt decorated with them. Primitive jewelry with such gems was found in large quantities in the territory inhabited by the Amazons.

When going on a hike, along with their ammunition, they took with them green stones, which, according to legend, added strength and confidence to their owner.

Warrior maidens also found another purpose for the stone: there are suggestions that young Amazons rubbed amazonite powder into one breast to delay its growth.

Amazonite was known in ancient times: its mines were in ancient Egypt and Ethiopia. Jewelry made from it was discovered during many archaeological excavations, in particular among the jewelry in the burial of Tutankhamun. But what such a stone was called back then remains a mystery.

Officially in Russia, the discovery of the Amazonian stone in 1783 in the Southern Urals is attributed to engineer N.F. German. Mineralogist A. Breithaupt in 1847 proposed shortening the name of the mineral to “amazonite.”

It is also known that jewelers called it “emerald edelspar.” There are also other names: Amazonian jade, green moonstone, Amazonite moonstone, Colorado jade.

Use in medicine

The healing properties of the blue gem were noticed in ancient times. People believed that the stone could rejuvenate a person, restore his strength and health. Therefore, women often wore Amazonite beads, believing that they gave the skin a youthful and fresh look.

In addition, the stone is not exposed to electromagnetic radiation and protects its owner from it. In this regard, it is recommended to place figurines or souvenirs made from the mineral near computers and microwave ovens.

Amazonite is able to relieve spasms, restore tissues of body systems in the postoperative period, and normalize the functioning of all organs.

Field

Amazonite is no longer mined in the Southern Urals. Some veins have already been mined, while others are located on the territory of the Ilmensky State Reserve and the extraction of minerals in its depths is prohibited by law.

In the Russian Federation, Amazonite is most mined in quarries on the Kola Peninsula. There are also deposits in the Baikal region, Transbaikalia, and the Eastern Sayan Mountains.

Gems differ in color. For example, Amazonites from the Kola Peninsula are rich green, there is no blue in them. And the Baikal ones, on the contrary, are pale green with a blue tint.

There are quite a lot of Amazonite deposits in the world; it is mined in Mongolia, Finland, Norway, Canada, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Brazil, India, Ethiopia, the USA and other countries.

Physical properties of the stone

Amazonite is a type of potassium feldspar. The mineral is formed as a result of pneumatolytic and hydrothermal processes. It is found in granite pegmatites (small grains or large formations 1.5-2 m or more) and in amazonite granites (represented by small grains). Its formula is (K,Nа)AlSi3O8. Hardness 6 – 6.5.

The mineral is considered a semi-precious ornamental stone of the first order (according to the classification of A. Fersman and M. Bauer). At temperatures of 300°C - 500°C it becomes discolored.

The color can be returned only when exposed to X-rays or radioactive rays, and only if the mineral was not heated to a temperature of 600°C.

Physico-chemical characteristics of amazonite

According to the chemical composition, the complex salt of amazonite contains potassium, sodium, aluminum, silicon and oxygen, as well as lead and rubidium as impurities.
Sometimes amazonite samples contain albite. — Advertising —

The blue to green crystals have a glassy luster, triclinic system, and their hardness on the Mohs scale is from 6 to 6.5. Density is 2.5 g/cm3. At the fracture they are uneven or conchoidal. The cleavage is perfect.

Varieties, colors

The green color of Amazonite has long been a mystery to geochemists. Scientists in the USSR solved it in the second half of the 20th century. The intense color of the mineral is given by impurity elements: monovalent lead, iron, rubidium, cesium, thallium.

Depending on their quantity, the green of the stone can be of different shades: blue, yellow, blue, gray, bright emerald. It is extremely rare that the color is uniform.

A distinctive feature of amazonite is small white veins of albite, they are also called “perthites”. A mineral without perthites is called amazonite jade. A stone with thin sprouts of perthites that create the radiance of a rainbow is called “green moonstone”.

In nature, the gem is matte, only after polishing it becomes glossy and shiny.

Origin

The breed received its modern name thanks to a variety brought from South America at the end of the 18th century. One of the legends says that Hippolyta, the leader of the Amazons, had jewelry with this mineral.

The mineral is predominantly microcline, sometimes orthoclase is found.

The breed is called:

• Amazonian jade;
• Colorado stone;
• Amazonian stone.

Some historians believe that the specimens brought from South America were green pebbles. Romé de Lisle began to call them by the name of the river.

The characteristics of the shade are determined by the composition of the sample. Iron impurities give a bluish color, lead impurities give a green color. The color of the specimen is stable under normal conditions, but disappears when heated to more than 500 degrees. Color restoration is possible by irradiation in the X-ray, radioactive spectrum. Sometimes the rock is restored by prolonged storage in the dark. When heated above 600 degrees, the color disappears irreversibly. In laboratory conditions, the color of amazonite is obtained by irradiating microclines with impurities with an X-ray spectrum.

Occasionally, rock crystals are mined, but more often veins, coarse-grained formations, and irregular single crystals are found. It is extremely rare to find uniformly colored samples. The breed predominantly has dull, white spots. Particularly valuable due to their silky shine are samples with albite sprouts.

Mineral of igneous origin. Appears in pegmatite veins, found in granite.

Amazonian stone - an unusual turquoise rock

Magic properties

Amazonite is a stone of family happiness. It is credited with the ability to strengthen family relationships, improve friendships and increase family wealth.

The mineral will keep you from making hasty decisions, remove negativity, and attract good luck. By constantly wearing the stone, your thoughts will become clear and your character will become calm.

Even in ancient times, it was noticed that a beautiful green gem adds courage, health and strength to its owner. It pacifies, gives peace and confidence, promotes spiritual uplift, improves mood, relieves anxiety and uncertainty. Helps magicians strengthen visions.

Interesting Facts

Amazonite was used in the unique “Map of Industrialization of the USSR”. And the card itself is made of gems that were mined in the Union. There are emeralds, diamonds, orlets, jaspers, lapis lazuli, opals...

Balances male and female energies.

In some halls of the Hermitage Museum there are tables made of amazonite.

Have you decided to build a house? Place a piece of Amazonite into the foundation. This will ensure the happiness and well-being of the family that will live in this house.

Dreams about Amazonite bring peace and tranquility.

In terms of value and beauty, the stone is equated to jade, malachite, rock crystal and rose quartz.

The mineral calms the brain and nervous system and helps maintain optimal health.

According to ancient belief, Amazonite can restore youth, restore health and give strength.

Medicinal properties

Proponents of lithotherapy claim that amazonite improves liver function, reduces epileptic attacks, treats vegetative-vascular dystonia, joint diseases, cervical osteochondrosis, diseases of the endocrine system, childhood infections, eczema, etc.

The stone also has rejuvenating properties. According to reviews, the gem significantly improves skin condition.

Amazonite is capable of:

• strengthen the heart and nerves;
• protect from sunstroke and headaches;
• normalize blood pressure.

The stone is used in different ways: you can wear jewelry from it and believe in healing ailments, or you can massage or stroke with Amazonite those areas that bother you.

Amazonite and Zodiac

Amazonite is one of the few minerals suitable for almost all zodiac signs. Perhaps because there are several elements of stone - Earth, Water, Ether.

According to the horoscope, the mineral is ideally compatible with Taurus and Scorpio.

Table of compatibility of Amazonite with zodiac signs (“+++” – fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated).

With such talismans they will become physically healthier, wiser, and more decisive. The mineral neutralizes negative character traits, in return enhancing positive ones. Especially suitable for those who want to create a strong family or strengthen marriage bonds, attract luck and money.

Other signs can also use the stone - the effect will be similar, although less pronounced.

It is not recommended for Sagittarius to wear the mineral: the problems will worsen.

Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?

According to the Zodiac, Amazonite is a Taurus . He helps Taurus in all their endeavors; he will definitely attract wealth and good luck.

Amazonite will also be useful:

1. For Leo and Aries , he is an excellent assistant for discovering their talents.
2. Scorpio overcome prolonged depression.
3. Libra, Aquarius and Gemini with Amazonite will make the right decisions, this stone can serve as a talisman for them, it will protect them from any troubles.
4. Cancers will become calmer, in some cases even lazier, and will not be able to get excited.
5. Capricorn endurance and make his character stronger.

There are no signs for which Amazonite can be strictly contraindicated. It happens that for some this stone will be neutral.

It is suitable for business people of all horoscope signs; this gem always promotes self-realization.

The main thing is, when choosing a stone, listen to yourself, to your feelings.

Decorations

Amazonite jewelry was made in ancient times, and products made from it are still popular today. The assortment is huge: beads, pendants, earrings, rings, bracelets.

Both individual framed stones and mineral plates look beautiful. There are many offers for every taste. You can buy a finished product, but there are also individual beads on sale, sold individually for creating original jewelry yourself.

Types and colors of mineral

There are two decorative types of breed:

• coarse perthite;
• fine perthite.

The first one is painted turquoise, attractive with a clear pattern formed by white albite ingrowths, creating a contrast with the greenish background. Ingrowths account for up to 40% of the sample mass. Samples painted turquoise are often elongated, resembling a cord. They reach 30 mm in length and 3 mm in width. Specimens with irregularly shaped shoots are known. Decorative amazonite of this type is found in chips up to 3 mm thick. The cleavage plane is characterized by a silvery sheen.

The fine perthite variety of spar is colored a bluish shade of green. It has an indistinct albite pattern.

The color of the rock is unstable and disappears with strong heating. The mined specimens are used as material for stone carving, making boxes and vases. Amazonite is used to make cabochons for jewelry and beads. Large original crystals are prized by collectors.

Amazonite – ornamental, collectible mineral

Talismans and amulets

In the old days, amazonite was hidden in the foundation of a house under construction; the mineral became a talisman for the home and preserved the well-being of all family members.

And now the stone is considered the guardian of the family hearth, and therefore a women's talisman; it is also called the “stone of housewives.” It is recommended to keep a few pebbles in the kitchen, then coziness and comfort will definitely reign in your home.

There is another interesting use of the stone: if a man wants to propose without further ado, he can simply give jewelry with Amazonite. Such a gift can be regarded as a marriage proposal. And in the future, the product will serve as a talisman for the created family.

What stones does it go with?

Amazonite and tiger eye bracelet

Amazonite is ideally suited for stones close to its color range: turquoise, blue opal, chrysocolla, larimar. Tiger's eye, smoky quartz, topaz, aventurine, lapis lazuli, hematite, and labradorite will be successfully combined with it.

Enhances the healing abilities of amazonite jade. Rock crystal and citrine will add perseverance and courage to the owner of the green stone.

Silver is often used to frame a gem, and this is the most successful solution.

Amazonite represents the element Air, and it is not compatible with minerals of the element Water (coral, pearl, emerald, opal, heliotrope, alexandrite).

Stones of different elements, being nearby, can negatively affect a person, worsen his well-being, make him irritated and restless.

Name compatibility

As a “name” amulet, Amazonite works wonders, especially in the gentle hands of women. With the help of a sea green necklace, you can find the way to your true self and understand what place in life is yours.

• Amazonite is a personalized talisman for a girl named Lyubov, Alevtina or Polina. In these representatives of the fair sex, the stone will double femininity and attractiveness.
• Male names that are on the same wavelength as Amazonite: Boris, Vasily, Peter, Gregory. Compatibility with other stones

Successful combinations:

• Amazonite/blue topaz - in this union the power of the element of Water doubles, strengthening the feminine principle in the owner of the talisman; suitable for attracting true love;
• Amazonite/turquoise is a good combination for career growth and self-realization;
• Amazonite/citrine/rock crystal - a powerful amulet that strengthens faith in love after an unsuccessful relationship; treats heart pain;
• Amazonite/jade – the union of two elements (Water and Earth) gives family and financial well-being;
• Amazonite/rose quartz is a talisman for women's health.

Important! Despite belonging to the water element, Amazonite does not combine with precious seafood, such as pearls and coral. Also, you should not combine it with emerald, heliotrope and alexandrite.

Care

Amazonite is not very picky and does not require special care. But due to the fact that the mineral is quite soft, it should be protected from scratches, impacts, and avoid excessive pressure and falls. For storage, it is better to wrap it in a soft cloth or place it in a special linen bag.

It is recommended to periodically wash it in cold running water and charge it with solar energy.

Contraindications for use

Despite the fact that the mineral has many positive properties, it is not suitable for everyone. First of all, embittered people will not be able to wear it. The stone will enhance this quality many times over, which will bring discomfort to its wearer.

It is believed that the mineral itself must choose its owner, and if after wearing amazonite you feel unwell or have an unpleasant state of mind, then it is better to refuse to use it.

Due to the fact that Amazonite is considered the patron saint of women, men should refuse to use it or wear it as little as possible. Representatives of the fair sex are advised to store the mineral separately from other natural stones, and also away from male eyes.

How to distinguish from a fake?

The following recommendations will help you choose a real mineral:

1. Pay attention to the coloring. Natural stone will never be uniform; small inclusions and veins made by nature itself are always present. Only fake plastics are painted evenly.
2. The gem is completely opaque. Hold it up to the light; the natural mineral should not be visible.
3. Take Amazonite in your hand and try to warm it in your palm. Real stone stays cold.

Other uses of stone

Amazonite box

Ever since the discovery of amazonite in the Urals at the end of the 18th century, craftsmen began to use it as a material for crafts. Decorative vases, candlesticks, bowls, boxes, brooches, pendants, and beads were made from it. In room 18-beginning The works of the masters of the Peterhof lapidary factory were especially famous in the 19th century; several bowls were preserved in the Hermitage exhibitions. A charming mosaic of delicately selected pieces of green gems was used to lay out the tabletops for the tables of the rich nobility.

Amazonite had another practical use in tsarist times: cufflinks and buttons for ceremonial uniforms were made from this beautiful mineral.

In 1900, Ekaterinburg craftsmen presented an interesting mosaic at the World Exhibition in Paris - a map of France, composed of pieces of Ural amazonite.

In 1937, a map of the state was made from precious stones in the Soviet Union. So, Amazonite was used to designate green plains and lowlands.

In 1978, a map of the Ilmensky Nature Reserve was made from amazonite.