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Amazonite

Introduction
 

	Amazonite, a beautiful deep blue-green gem, often with white streaks, is a gem variety of microcline feldspar. Microline is so called in reference to its cleavage properties. The name derives from the Greek “Micros”, meaning small, and “Klino”, meaning lean, because the cleavage planes deviate very slightly from 90 degrees.
	Amazonite is named after the River Amazon, and although Amazonite is mined in Brazil, it has never been found near the Amazon.
	Amazonite is often confused with Jade (Jadeite) or Turquoise.

Brazilian legend has it that Amazon Indians used to give a green gem to men who met them, but that gem was almost certainly Jade (Jadeite) not Amazonite.
 

Amazonite was used extensively by the ancient Egyptians for both Jewelry and ornamentation. They called it the “Stone of Courage” after the fabled tribe of Amazon women warriors. Some archaeological evidence suggests that the Amazonians were a real matriarchal society that existed during the Bronze Age. Any direct connection between this association and the modern name is unknown but its fun to speculate.
 

Amazonite is believed by some to enhance creative expression, align astral bodies, encourage unity with life and improve ones self worth. Amongst crystals healers, the deeper the color of the Amazonite, the more intense the effect is said to be.
 

It has also been called the “Hope Stone” because some people believe it inspires confidence and hope. One source actually says it is useful to motivate lazy teenagers!
 

In general, it is believed to have a soothing effect on the brain and nervous system. It is also believed by some to help one analyze and sort out information and combine this process with intuitive wisdom.
 

Microline is formed in deep-seated igneous rocks that cooled slowly. It is found in granites, granite pegmatites, hydrothermal weins and in many schists and gneisses, and as grains in sedimentary rocks.
 

Known as Graphic Granite, Microline often forms crystals in association with Quartz. When the match is between gem quality Amazonite and Smoky Quartz, the resulting gem is very striking.
 

Amazonite also displays a “Schiller” of light. Schiller is a lustrous reflection caused by a feature of the gem's crystal structure and is similar to what is more commonly known as “Iridescence”.