Amazonite

The Gemstone of Tranquility and Balance

Fragrances: Basil, bergamot, fennel, hyacinth, mint, patchouli.

Divinatory Meaning: You are in a strong position, so stand up for what you think is important, especially in fighting prejudice or injustice.

Zodiac: Virgo

Planet: Uranus

Number: 5

Chakra: Spleen, solar plexus, heart, connects higher heart to throat.

Empowerment: I expect fair treatment and consideration from others.

Introduction:

A captivating green to blue-green gemstone known for its soothing colour, it is generally found as large, non-crystallised pieces. It is commonly sold both in raw and polished form. Amazonite embedded with Smoky Quartz and/or Black Tourmaline has an added boost of grounding energy.

The origin of its name comes from its colour being associated with the Amazon River, although it is not found there. Small amounts of lead and water cause the blue-green colour.

Amazonite is a popular choice for jewellery. Its metaphysical properties make it a great choice for meditation, and it is a symbol of peace and balance.

What is Amazonite?

Amazonite is a green variety of Microcline, a feldspar mineral. Its chemical composition is potassium aluminium silicate. Amazonite is known for its opaque to translucent appearance and distinctive grip-like pattern, with colours ranging from pale green to deep blue-green, often with white streaks or lines.

The History and Lore of Amazonite

• Historical uses of Amazonite:

Amazonite is associated with many ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, to name a few. They used it in amulets and carvings. Early explorers thought it was found near the Amazon River, though this was later disproven.

• Cultural symbolism and belief systems:

Amazonite is considered a ‘Stone of Courage’ and ‘Stone of Truth’, and it is used to align masculine and feminine energies.

Properties of Amazonite

• Physical Properties:

The chemical composition of Amazonite is KA[KAlSi₃O₈] + Copper. On the Mohs hardness scale, Amazonite has a rating of 6-6.5. It is moderately hard but can be scratched more easily than harder gemstones. Cleavage is perfect in two directions, giving it its unique reflective quality. It is translucent to opaque, with a vitreous lustre.

• Metaphysical Properties:

Amazonite has a calming and balancing energy, that soothes anxiety and stress. It helps to enhance communication, especially in relationships. Amazonite’s chakra connection is to the Heart and Throat Chakras. It aids in emotional healing and helps to open communication.

Where is Amazonite Found?

• Major sources of Amazonite:

Russia (specifically the Ural Mountains), Madagascar, Brazil, USA (Colorado, Virginia), Canada, India, Mozambique, Namibia, and Austria.

• How the location affects the colour and quality of the stone:

Russian Amazonite is known for its bright green colour, while Colorado Amazonite can have a bluer hue.

How to Care for Amazonite Jewellery

• Practical tips for maintaining and cleaning Amazonite:

Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and prolonged sunlight to maintain its colour. For cleaning use a soft cloth and mild soapy water. For safe storage to avoid scratches keep it separate from harder stones.

Amazonite in Jewellery and Design

• Popular uses of Amazonite in jewellery:

Rings, pendants, bracelets, and beads. Paired with silver or gold to accentuate its natural beauty.

• How to choose high-quality Amazonite:

Look for vibrant, consistent colours with minimal white streaks. Cut and shape: Cabochon and beads are popular due to Amazonite's opacity.

Amazonite in Healing and Meditation

• Amazonite as a healing stone:

Amazonite promotes emotional balance, reduces stress, and encourages honest communication. It is often used in crystal grids or meditation practices for calming and self-expression. It is also thought to protect against electromagnetic pollution (EMF). Amazonite has a powerful filtering action. On a physical level, placing it between you and the source of any pollution or taping it to a cell phone will block geopathic stress, absorb microwave and cell phone emanations, and protect against electromagnetic pollution. On a mental level, it filters information passing through the brain and combines it with intuition.

• How to use Amazonite in everyday life:

Carry a small piece, wear it as jewellery, or place it in the home for its calming effects. Amazonite heals and opens the heart and throat chakras to enhance loving communication. It also opens the third eye and intuition. The stone dissipates negative energy and blockages within the nervous system. It is beneficial in osteoporosis, tooth decay, calcium deficiency, and calcium deposits, balancing the metabolic deficiencies that create these conditions.

Conclusion:

Amazonite is a uniquely beautiful stone with calming properties. Amazonite is a versatile stone with uses as a gemstone and a healing crystal. Adding amazonite to your collection is a must, for all who are looking for something to calm and stabilise emotions. Please feel free to share your experiences with Amazonite and your favourite ways to use Amazonite below.

Further Reading:

Butterworth, L. (2019). A beginner’s guide to crystals: Working with crystals by chakra. Hachette Australia. Sydney. ISBN: 978-0-7336-4202-9

Eason, C. (2018). Crystals: Everything you need to know to heal, cleanse, love, energise. Carlton Books. London. ISBN: 978-1-78739-042-3

Hall, J. (2007). The encyclopedia of crystals. Godsfield press. London. ISBN: 978-1-59233-582-4

Hall, J. (2009). The crystal bible. Godsfield Press. London. ISBN: 978-1-84181-361-5

Van Doren, Y. (2017). Crystals: The modern guide to crystal healing. Quadrille. London. ISBN: 978-1-78713-035-7