All about Amazonite

Among the large number of minerals found in different countries, amazonite will definitely not be lost. But this stone is not well known, and it is time to fill such a gap. Let's try to figure out what exactly is hidden behind this unusual name.

In some sources, you can find the statement that the Amazonite is named after the Amazon River. As if it was on its shores that deposits of this mineral were first discovered. In reality, he was not found there - neither in the past, nor now. What was thought to be the South American Amazonite turned out to be just jade. One of the legends about the origin of the stone says that it was used by the mythical Amazons.

And they not only applied, but also attached sacred significance to the rock. It was even argued that Amazonite was perceived by them as a source of courage and military success. Whether this is so, it is unlikely that it will ever become known.

It was used by:

• in decorative items for the burials of pharaohs;
• in the external decoration of tombs;
• in various mosaics.

In the old days, the inhabitants of Sudan, as well as the Indians, used the original type of mineral with the entry of feldspar:

• when preparing jewelry;
• in the production of talismans;
• in the facing of various buildings.

If we abandon the legends about the Amazons and other things, and go on to real facts, then it is not difficult to find out that amazonite was mined at least in Ancient Egypt. Found ancient mines in Ethiopia.Decorative items made from this mineral are found during archaeological searches, and they were also found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. However, it is not known for certain exactly how this stone was called in ancient times.

Later, other names were found: green moonstone, emerald edelspar, Amazonian or Colorado jade. There is information that in our country the first deposits of the mineral were discovered in the 1780s. But the South Ural deposits are not being developed now. Some sources are completely exhausted, while others ended up in a protected area... The main quarry of stone in our country falls on the Kola Peninsula.

Other deposits are located in the vicinity of Lake Baikal and in the eastern part of the Sayan Mountains. The difference between gems is largely due to their color. Outside our country, amazonite is mined for:

• Finnish;
• Kyrgyz;
• Canadian;
• American;
• Indian;
• Tajik and some other deposits.

Amazonite is a blue mineral that many consider to be one of the most beautiful creations of nature. It is easy to confuse the stone with turquoise or jade. Real samples of amazonite are almost indestructible. Even coloring it is impossible. The reason lies in the extraordinary pattern on the surface.

It is artificially impossible to reproduce such a pattern. Therefore, in the description of the mineral, it is appropriate to mention that it is not produced in factories. For consumers, this means that the danger of counterfeiting is close to zero. The stone is appreciated by lovers of fine craftsmanship and souvenir producers. Its characteristic bright, rich tones have led to the widespread use of the mineral in:

• jewelry industry;
• the production of costume jewelry;
• making decorative vases and boxes;
• the production of ashtrays and other important items.

Amazonite looks sometimes in the most bizarre way. It can be painted in both delicate gray and deep green. A wide variety of transitional shades are known, as well as slightly blue, yellow and emerald colors. The color of the Amazonites is always uneven. The surface is covered with whitish lines and dots. In some cases, these inclusions (consisting of feldspar) look like simple ornaments. Many descriptions point out that amazonite has an incredibly beautiful ebb.... It took a long time to reveal the secret of the atypical color of the stone. But after a long scientific search, it was found that it contains iron, lead and rubidium. Cold shades depend on them.

The most valuable is amazonite containing albite. This mineral is distinguished by the most attractive mesh pattern and blue color. Large-pertite amazonite has a clearly visible pattern and contains a lot of albite. The fine-pertite variety is not so clearly traced, but it has an attractive shimmer like mother-of-pearl.

Semi-precious stone is now mined in various states. In Russia, it is found on the Kola Peninsula and in the Urals. The main Ural deposits are concentrated near Yekaterinburg. Outside the Russian Federation, the main sources of amazonite are:

• India;
• selected African countries;
• Mongolia;
• USA;
• Canada;
• Tajikistan;
• Norway.

The mine method is not used - quarries are being dug everywhere. Diamond saws are used to cut the extracted raw materials. They operate at high speeds. After cutting, solutions of soap or soda are applied. Important: Amazonite cannot be processed with kerosene, mineral oil or diesel fuel.

Even small amounts of them have a detrimental effect on the quality of crystals. It is very likely that the colors and nuances of the drawing will be lost forever. The next stage of processing is the so-called drawing.

The technology has been worked out very carefully. It is aimed at giving an extraordinary look to natural raw materials. It becomes as if polished to a mirror shine. Only trained specialists are allowed to process amazonite. Inexperienced craftsmen can easily damage the fragile structure of the mineral.

According to some reports, there is a Peruvian amazonite. But we must take into account that in a number of countries it is mined not at primary deposits, but at mines. These are the mineral resources of Brazil, India, Madagascar and Namibia. The stone mined in the area of ​​Parusnaya Mountain and Ploskaya Mountain (both of the Murmansk region) is distinguished by its unusual purity. Amazonite comes from volcanic processes, and this decorative mineral is not very common.

According to some people, the value of amazonite for humans is not limited to just aesthetic pleasure. A number of ancient sources mentioned that this mineral cures many diseases. Or at least facilitates their course. In folk medicine, amazonite was considered a good remedy for:

• headache (including migraine);
• dental disorders;
• dermatological disorders;
• pathologies of the spinal column and joints;
• malfunctions of blood vessels (including varicose veins).

According to other information, amazonite also fights against epilepsy, overweight, respiratory ailments and lesions of the central, peripheral nervous system. With its help, you can correct pathologies in the work of the heart and thyroid gland.... But we must remember that all this information has not been confirmed. It is categorically unacceptable to replace normal treatment with amazonite.

Quite many mystics, psychics and their fans believe that the mineral has extraordinary power. It is used in the manufacture of amulets and talismans. Yes, even in the mystical literature it is not mentioned that amazonite leads to the fulfillment of desires.

Believe it or not in all the stories about unusual properties - it is up to each person to decide separately. It is believed that the mineral allows one to abandon the stormy element of life, and thereby helps with meditation. And even without them, it helps to calm down, reinforces confidence. It is often written that amazonite allows:

• avoid erroneous decisions;
• reflect aggression from enemies and envious people;
• improve public speaking skills;
• to seal the family union;
• it is more efficient to do housework.

The use of amazonite products can be limited only by aesthetic taste. However, many people adhere to various mystical ideas about him. According to these ideas, it is necessary to wear a stone, first of all, for those who want to overcome hot temper and anger. This not only suppresses bouts of irritation, but also reduces the risk of making a rash act. Amazonite is also recommended for the elderly.

Even the mystics, of course, have not mustered enough courage to claim that he will bring back youth. But on the other hand, they are talking about an additional charge of vivacity. And even if it's all about the placebo effect, this is welcome.

There are other effects attributed to the stone. So, for entrepreneurs and just for those who are passionate about a career, it is also recommended. And the noble green color, as some people believe, contributes to calming. Wearing this mineral is suitable for those who constantly suffer from excessive nervous system excitability. When preparing to give amazonite and products made from it, it is also useful to know what astrologers can advise people who trust them.

Among them, the opinion dominates that the stone is suitable for Libra, Gemini and Aquarius. In the first case, it is assumed that he is able to remove enslavement, while simultaneously increasing protection from enemies and unfriendly people. Astrologers usually tell Gemini that this mineral will improve their financial well-being. But not only him, it is sometimes reported that it facilitates the achievement of a variety of goals.

As for Aquarius, experts point out the supposed ability of the Amazonite to structure thinking and get rid of mental chaos. It is noted that there are no significant prohibitions on wearing amazonite. But parapsychologists are sure that he is distinguished by his "finickyness", and is not compatible with all people. If the amazonite "does not evaluate" the person positively, then there is no need to wait for protection. On the contrary, the mineral will make every effort so that the owner maximizes all the negative character traits and pathology.

But if the mystical information about the amazonite is a private matter of everyone, then the situation is different with the verification of its authenticity. Strictly speaking, the cost of this stone is not so great that it would be profitable to falsify it. The problem is different - there is a high likelihood of confusion with other minerals. Genuine amazonite, even untreated, heats up relatively slowly. You can check this by holding it in your hands for a while.

A quality sample, by definition, cannot be transparent. Any normal treatment will only give it some shine. To check this, one must look at the stone in bright daylight or in the rays of a powerful electric lamp. Only opaque copies makes sense to buy.

Amazonite and products made from it do not have any special requirements for storage and everyday use.

But at the same time, they are dangerous:

• blows (because of them, the mineral can split completely or partially);
• strong warming up;
• exposure to solar energy.

To minimize the likelihood of scratches or other defects, it is advisable to store amazonite in a case. If the cover is not at hand, just use a soft cloth. When choosing a place where to leave the decoration, they give preference to relatively cool areas. Moreover, there should not be even episodic temperature jumps.

It is not recommended to use hard brushes and abrasives for cleaning amazonite. Harsh chemicals are also undesirable. The best option is to treat it with a warm solution of toilet soap. When the procedure is complete, the mineral is wiped off thoroughly to ensure it is dry. Then they return to their original place, remembering to check that there is no danger of impact or fall.

Amazonite is prized by makers of souvenirs and the like.

It is often made from it:

• boxes;
• vases;
• various ashtrays and stands;
• figurines in a variety of styles.

An exotic mineral used in the manufacture of chessboards (as an insert). Luxurious mosaics are often created on its basis. Both souvenirs (for example, amazonite rosary) and entire sculptures are exhibited in the world's leading museums. Jewelers also appreciate Amazonite. Make of it:

• pendants;
• brooches;
• rings;
• earrings;
• beads;
• pendants.

Experts note that the tiger's eye in combination with amazonite looks quite attractive. In mono format, the stone is usually placed in a silver setting. But other metals can also be used. Of mass stones, amazonite forms successful combinations with turquoise and blue opals. Of the more rare - with chrysocolla, larimars, shattukites.

Together with sodalite, this mineral is used in the production of decorative necklaces.It is also worth noting the external grace of combinations with smoky quartz, topaz, aventurine, hematite, labradorite, lapis lazuli. The purchase of amazonite and products from it is possible in various places. The exact cost is determined by the specific type of stone, its size and the type of jewelry or decorative products.

In the next video, you will find more information about the Amazonite.