Mineral Spotlight: Amazonite
Share
Let's talk about a specimen that crystal and mineral collectors alike appreciate and love to include include in their collections.
Amazonite!
Amazonite is a richly colored variety of microcline feldspar. It can range in color from pale minty-green, to a tropical ocean blue, to an intensely saturated teal hue. The color comes from trace amounts of lead and water in the chemical composition. The crystals are opaque, and sometimes the color can have a milky appearance. White veining is also common in some stones.
The crystals themselves are in the triclinic crystal system, and are often thick and chunky in appearance.
It mostly forms in pegmatite deposits.
At the end of the 18th century, the name Amazonite was applied to this stone, apparently named after the Amazon River in Brazil, although no amazonite has been found along the river. (Amazonite has been found in Brazil, just not near the Amazon river). A collector at this time gathered some green pebbles from this region and this name had been applied, although the descriptions likely conclude that they were nephrite jade.
Under Short Wave UV light it glows a rich cherry red.
The history of amazonite use goes back to 3000 BCE. It has been found in the royal tombs of Ur in Sumer. It was one the 6 most precious stones to the ancient Egyptians. Since it was easy to carve, it was commonly used as beads in jewelry, and for decorating amulets and vessels. Amazonite scarabs were found at several excavation sites. Even the famed tomb of Tutankhamen’s contained amulets made of amazonite.
It rates at a 6-6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it a more fragile choice in jewelry. Probably best to use in earrings or a necklace.
When it comes to collecting mineral specimens of amazonite, one locale that stands out above the rest for many collectors, is that of Pike’s Peak area in Colorado.
These amazonite crystals are known for their deeply saturated and brilliant hues. They are often desired when formed along with smoky quartz crystals. The two minerals together make a truly exceptional visual aesthetic.