Amazonite, a captivating green to blue-green feldspar mineral, holds a unique place in the world of gemstones. While not among the most expensive or widely recognized gems, its long history, distinctive color, and relative affordability have made it a popular choice for jewelry and ornamental carvings for millennia. Recognized as a birthstone, though its association is more recent than some of its counterparts, amazonite offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient cultures, geological processes, and the enduring human fascination with beautiful stones. This article will explore the history, geological origins, gemological properties, and care of this intriguing gemstone.
History and Lore
The use of amazonite dates back remarkably far, with evidence of its cutting and carving by cultures in Northern Africa, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley as early as 5,200 BCE. Lapidaries throughout history have skillfully fashioned this stone into cabochons, beads, and intricate carvings. Despite its name, amazonite is not typically found within the Amazon rainforest itself. The stone derives its name from the Amazon River, with the association originating as early as 1701, though the precise reason for the connection remains somewhat unclear. The mineralogist August Breithaupt officially named the stone “amazonite” in 1847, referencing a locality “near” the Amazon River.
Interestingly, amazonite has sometimes been mistakenly marketed as “Amazon jade,” capitalizing on the higher value and prestige associated with true jade. Vendors may have exploited the resemblance of some green amazonite specimens to jade, hoping to attract buyers willing to pay a premium. However, gemologists can readily distinguish between these distinct gem species. This practice highlights the importance of informed purchasing and understanding gemological distinctions.
Geological Formation and Sources
Amazonite is a variety of microcline, a potassium feldspar. The distinctive green to blue-green coloration is attributed to trace amounts of lead and water within the crystal structure. The color can vary considerably, ranging from pale green to a deeper, more saturated blue-green, often exhibiting white mottling or streaking.
Significant deposits of amazonite are found in several locations worldwide. Brazil and Peru are known for producing fine-quality specimens. Within the United States, gem-quality amazonite can be found near Pike’s Peak, Colorado, and Amelia Courthouse, Virginia. More recently, Ethiopia has emerged as a notable producer of high-quality amazonite. Other sources include Canada, China, Madagascar, Mozambique, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Russia. Amazonite rough is often available for purchase by hobbyists by the pound, while finished cabochons are available in a wide range of sizes.
Gemological Properties
Amazonite possesses a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. This relatively moderate hardness means it is susceptible to scratching from harder materials, such as household dust (which has a hardness of 7). This characteristic makes it more suitable for earrings, pendants, and brooches, where it is less likely to experience abrasive wear. While amazonite can be used in rings, protective settings are recommended to minimize the risk of damage. It also exhibits perfect cleavage, meaning it can potentially break if subjected to a sharp impact.
Here's a summary of key gemological properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Mineral | Microcline Feldspar |
| Chemical Formula | KAlSi3O8 |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 6 - 6.5 |
| Color | Green to Blue-Green |
| Cleavage | Perfect |
| Luster | Vitreous |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
While specific historical symbolism directly linked to amazonite is not detailed in the available sources, the stone’s color and appearance have likely contributed to various cultural associations over time. The calming green and blue hues may have been linked to tranquility, balance, and harmony.
The sources do note that some modern interpretations associate amazonite with balancing masculine and feminine energies and promoting clear communication. However, these beliefs are not rooted in ancient traditions and should be considered as contemporary interpretations.
Care and Cleaning
Proper care is essential to maintain the beauty of amazonite jewelry. Due to its internal fractures and potential treatments, certain cleaning methods should be avoided. Untreated amazonites, and those with fracture inclusions, can be damaged by mechanical cleaning systems like steam or ultrasound, as these can exacerbate existing weaknesses within the stone. Similarly, treated stones may lose coatings or fillers if subjected to these processes.
The recommended cleaning method involves using a soft brush, mild detergent, and warm water. This gentle approach minimizes the risk of damage and helps preserve the stone’s color and integrity. Consulting a gemstone jewelry cleaning guide for more detailed care recommendations is also advisable.
Synthetic Amazonites and Treatments
While naturally occurring amazonite is readily available, the market also features materials labeled as “synthetic amazonite.” However, the authenticity of these synthetic stones is often questionable. It is unclear whether these materials are genuinely lab-created or simply treated natural amazonites marketed under a misleading label.
Amazonite frequently undergoes treatments to enhance its appearance. These treatments can include impregnation to conceal fracture inclusions, as well as coatings and dyes to improve color. Irradiation can also be used to turn white microcline specimens into blue-green amazonites, though this is a relatively rare and stable treatment. It’s important to be aware that some individuals consider treated gemstones to be “not natural,” even if the base material is a natural stone.
Amazonite and the Modern Birthstone List
The modern birthstone list, as it exists today, was formalized in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While the list has undergone revisions over time, several gemstones have remained consistently associated with specific months. Garnet, amethyst, diamond, emerald, ruby, and sapphire have retained their positions as birthstones for January, February, April, May, July, and September, respectively. Amazonite is not among these consistently recognized birthstones, and its association with a specific month is a more recent development.
Conclusion
Amazonite, with its captivating color and ancient origins, represents a fascinating chapter in the history of gemstones. From its early use in ancient civilizations to its modern-day appeal as a birthstone and jewelry material, this feldspar mineral continues to captivate and inspire. While relatively soft and requiring careful handling, its unique beauty and affordability make it a compelling choice for those seeking a gemstone with a rich history and tranquil aesthetic. Understanding its geological formation, gemological properties, and proper care ensures that this beautiful stone can be enjoyed for generations to come.