A variety of Microcline that is a member of the Feldspar mineral group. Amazonite is a potassium aluminum silicate mineral. Its color is usually blue, green, or bluish-green. Amazonite often has white lines or alternating streaks mixed in and can have uneven color distribution. The imperfections in color are often caused by inclusions of white quartz or feldspar. The mineral’s color is thought to be caused by trace amounts of lead, although there is some discussion that other trace elements may cause the color. Amazonite belongs to the Triclinic crystal system with a prismatic crystal habit. Hardness is 6 – 6.5 on the Moh’s scale. Luster is usually vitreous. On some cleavage faces, the luster can be pearly. Cleavage is perfect in two directions. Amazonite can easily crack or chip. Twinning occurs in Amazonite, most often by the Manebach Law, Carlsbad Law, Baveno Law, or Albite twinning.
Amazonite frequently occurs in beautiful crystal clusters. That makes it extremely popular with mineral specimen collectors, especially when associated with smoky quartz, fluorite, or other feldspars. Amazonite is also popular in the craft and lapidary markets. It is used to make cabochons, tumbled stones, and jewelry such as earrings, pendants, and pins.
Occurrence
Consequently, Microcline is a common mineral. However, the variety Amazonite is rare. Deep green Amazonite is from Parusnaya Mountain, Kola Peninsula, Russia; Santa Maria de Itabira, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Mogok, Myanmar; and Kenticha and Konso, Sidamo-Borana Province, Ethiopia.
For example, some of the finest sky-blue Amazonite is from the Pikes Peak area in Colorado. This region includes a large area in El Paso, Teller, Douglas, and Park counties. Famous deposits in this area include Pikes Peak, Crystal Peak, Devils Head, Lake George, and Florissant.
In short, other Amazonite occurrences in the United States are Amelia Court House, Amelia Co., Virginia; the Zapot pegmatite, Mineral Co., Nevada; Fairfield, Utah Co., Utah; Valhalla, Westchester Co., New York; and Franklin, Sussex Co., New Jersey.
Metaphysical Uses
(Book of Stones from Simmons and Ahsian)
Above all, on a spiritual level, Amazonite assists one in communicating higher truths and higher knowledge. It is the stone of truth, assisting one in perceiving the truth for oneself and in others.
On an emotional level, Amazonite assists one in setting appropriate boundaries, both within oneself and externally. Likewise, this mineral helps one to move beyond fear of confrontation or judgment. As a result, Amazonite encourages one to walk in the right relationship and to speak and live one’s truth for the highest good. It assists one in gaining self-knowledge and in defining one’s core beliefs and values.
Moreover, for more information about this mineral, please visit mindat.org. You can view Bill’s store at https://www.rockygems.com/store/bj-sidewinder/. Please join our Facebook community if you haven’t already.
