All about amazonite

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

In some sources it is possible to meet the statement that amazonite is named after the Amazon River. As if just on its shores, deposits of this mineral were first discovered. In reality, they did not find him there - neither in the past nor now. What they considered to be 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 didn’t just apply it, but also attached sacred significance to the rock. It was even argued that amazonite was perceived by them as a source of courage and combat success. Whether this is so, it is unlikely to ever be known.

It was used:

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

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

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

If you abandon the legends of the Amazons and other things, and go to the real facts, it is easy to find out that Amazonite was mined at least in ancient Egypt. Found ancient mines in the territory of Ethiopia. Decorative items from this mineral are found during an archaeological search, they were also found in Tutankhamun’s tomb. However, it is not known for certain exactly how this stone was called in antiquity.

Later there were other names: green moonstone, emerald edelspat, Amazonian or Colorado jade. There is evidence that in our country the first deposits of the mineral were discovered in the 1780s. But South Ural deposits are not being developed now. Some sources are completely exhausted, while others are in the protected area.. The main stone mining 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 of our country, amazonite is mined to:

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

Amazonite is a blue mineral, which many consider to be one of the most beautiful creations of nature. Stone is easily confused with turquoise or jade. These samples of amazonite almost can not be machined. Even coloring it is impossible. The reason lies in the extraordinary pattern on the surface.

It is impossible to reproduce such a picture artificially. Therefore, it is appropriate to mention in the description of the mineral that it is not produced in factories. For consumers, this means the danger of counterfeiting is close to zero. The stone is appreciated by lovers of elegant, and manufacturers of souvenirs. His characteristic bright, saturated tonalities led to the wide use of the mineral in:

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

Amazonite sometimes looks the most bizarre way. It can be painted in a gentle gray, and in a thick green color. There are various transition colors, as well as slightly blue, yellow and emerald colors. The coloring of amazonites is always uneven. The surface is covered with whitish dashes, specks. In some cases, these inclusions (consisting of feldspar) are similar to simple ornaments. Many descriptions note that amazonite has an incredibly beautiful low tide.. For a long time it was not possible to reveal the secret of the atypical color of the stone. But after a long scientific search, it was found that iron, lead and rubidium are included in its composition. Cold shades depend on them.

Amazonite containing albite has the greatest value. This mineral has the most attractive mesh pattern and blue color. The large perperite amazonite has a well-marked pattern, and it just contains a lot of albite. The smallpertite variety is not so clearly traced, but it is notable for its attractive tint 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 Ekaterinburg. Outside the Russian Federation, the main sources of amazonite are:

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

Mine method is not used - digging career everywhere. For cutting the extracted raw materials use diamond saws. They operate at high speeds. After cutting, solutions of soap or soda are used. Important: amazonite cannot be treated with kerosene, mineral oil or diesel fuel.

Even small amounts of them adversely affect the quality of the crystals. It is very likely that the colors and nuances of the design will be lost forever. The next stage of processing is the so-called dragging.

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

According to some reports, there is a Peruvian Amazonite. But one should 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. Mining in the area of ​​Mount Sailing and Mount Flat (both - the Murmansk region) stone is characterized by unusual purity. Amazonite occurs as a result of volcanic processes, and this decorative mineral is not found very often.

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

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

According to other information, amazonite is still struggling with epilepsy, overweight, respiratory illnesses and lesions of the central, peripheral nervous system. With it, you can correct the pathology in the work of the heart and thyroid. But we must remember that all this information is not confirmed. It is absolutely unacceptable to replace the normal treatment with amazonite.

Quite a few mystics, psychics and their fans believe that the mineral has extraordinary strength.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 - to decide each person separately. It is believed that the mineral allows you to renounce the stormy vital elements, and thus helps with meditation. And even without them, it helps to calm down, reinforces confidence. Often they write that amazonite allows:

• avoid erroneous decisions;
• repel aggression from enemies and envy;
• increase oratorical skills;
• fasten family union;
• more efficient to do housework.

The use of products from amazonite can be limited only by aesthetic taste. However, many people have different mystical ideas about it. According to these ideas, it is necessary to wear a stone, first of all, to those who want to overcome short temper and anger. At the same time, not only bouts of irritation are suppressed, but also the danger of making a rash act is reduced. Amazonite is also recommended for the elderly.

Even the mystics, of course, did not have enough courage to claim that he would return youth. But then they are talking about an extra charge of cheerfulness. And even if the whole thing is a placebo effect, this is welcome.

There are other effects attributed to the stone. So, for entrepreneurs and just for career-minded individuals, it is also recommended. A noble green color, as some people believe, helps to calm. The wearing of this mineral is suitable for those who constantly suffer from the excessive excitability of the nervous system. When getting ready to donate amazonite and its products, it is also useful to know that astrologers can advise people trusting them.

They are dominated by the opinion that the stone is suitable for Libra, Gemini and Aquarius. In the first case, it is assumed that he is able to remove his attachment, at the same time enhancing protection from enemies and unfriendly-minded people. Gemini astrologers usually say that this mineral will improve their financial well-being. But not only him, it is sometimes reported that he facilitates the achievement of various goals.

As for the Aquarius, experts note the supposed ability of 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 “fastidiousness,” and is far from being compatible with all people. If amazonite "does not appreciate" a person positively, then protection does not have to wait. On the contrary, the mineral will make every effort to ensure that the owner maximally plays out all the negative traits of character and pathology.

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

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

Amazonite and products from it do not impose special requirements for storage and daily use.

But at the same time dangerous:

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

To minimize the chance of scratches or other defects, amazonite should be stored in a case. If the cover is not at hand, use just a soft cloth. Choosing a place where to leave the decoration, prefer relatively cool areas. At the same time there should not be even occasional temperature fluctuations.

Use hard brushes and abrasives to clean amazonite is not recommended. It is undesirable to use aggressive chemicals. The best option - treatment with a warm solution of toilet soap. When the procedure is completed, the mineral is thoroughly wiped to ensure its dryness. Then they return to their original place, while not forgetting to check that there is no danger of being hit or falling.

Amazonite is appreciated by the creators of souvenirs and similar products.

Often made from it:

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

Exotic mineral is used in the production of chess boards (as an insert). On its basis, luxurious mosaics are often created. Both souvenirs (for example, Amazonite rosaries) and whole sculptures are exhibited in the leading museums of the planet. Amazonite is also appreciated by jewelers. From it do:

• suspensions;
• brooches;
• ringlets;
• earrings;
• beads;
• pendants.

Experts say that the tiger eye, in combination with amazonite, looks quite attractive. In mono format, the stone is usually placed in a silver frame. But other metals can be used. From massive stones, the successful combinations of amazonite form with turquoise and blue opals. Of the rarer ones, with chrysocolla, larimaras, and shattukitas.

Together with sodalite, this mineral is used in the manufacture of decorative necklaces. Also worth noting is the external elegance of combinations with smoky quartz, topazes, aventurines, hematites, labradorites, and lazurites. The acquisition of amazonite and its products is possible in various places. The exact cost is determined by the specific type of stone, its size and type of jewelry or decorative products.

In the next video you will find more information about amazonite.