Amazonite

Amazonite is the green to blue-green variety of microcline, a potassium feldspar. Its colour ranges from pale mint to bright turquoise-green and is often mottled or streaked with white lines and patches, which are areas of another feldspar, albite. The cause of the colour has been much studied and is thought to involve small amounts of lead together with water in the crystal structure.

Amazonite at a glance

The stone is named after the Amazon River, from which green stones were once said to come, although no amazonite deposits are known there and the old green stones may have been something else entirely. Amazonite has been used in jewellery for over 3,000 years: it was mined in ancient Egypt, where it was carved into beads, amulets and inlays, and it was also used in Mesopotamia. It was recognised as a distinct mineral only in the 18th century.

Important sources include Russia (the Ilmen Mountains in the Urals, once the main source), the USA (Pikes Peak in Colorado, famous for fine crystals), Brazil, Madagascar, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Peru and China. Peruvian amazonite is often a softer, bluer shade.

Amazonite is usually cut as beads, cabochons and carvings. It is generally untreated, although it may be waxed or occasionally dyed. It can resemble turquoise, jade and chrysoprase, and dyed glass or quartzite may be sold as imitations. Like other feldspars, it has perfect cleavage and can split if knocked.

Caring for amazonite

Amazonite (6 – 6.5 on the Mohs scale) has perfect cleavage in two directions, so it can chip or split if knocked. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, then dry. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, harsh chemicals, high heat and sudden temperature changes. Store it separately from harder gems in a soft pouch.

Shop amazonite beads

Strand of Approx 39cm Russian Amazonite Drop Chip Beads 14x10mm

£4.10

Select options

In Stock

SKU:0804001-RAM

Strand Of Peruvian Amazonite Chip Beads 8x5mm

£6.27 – £25.10Price range: £6.27 through £25.10

Select options

In Stock

SKU:0805001-PAM

Amazonite Nugget Beads 8x7mm, Strand

£6.05 – £24.20Price range: £6.05 through £24.20

Select options

In Stock

SKU:0834022-AMA

Amazonite Nugget Beads 10x14mm, Strand

£7.75

Select options

In Stock

SKU:0834040-AMA

See all amazonite beads

In folklore

The beliefs below are traditional folklore, included for interest. They are not scientifically proven, and nothing here is medical advice.

Ancient Egyptians carved amazonite into amulets and placed it in tombs, and it is often said that a scarab ring of amazonite was found among the treasures of Tutankhamun. Legend links the stone with the Amazons, the warrior women of Greek myth, who were said to have decorated their shields with it, though there is no evidence for this. Amazonite is associated with the zodiac sign Virgo.

Amazonite is traditionally known as the "stone of courage" and the "stone of truth". Crystal healing lore holds that it soothes the mind, calms worry and fear, and helps the wearer express thoughts and feelings honestly and with confidence. It is also said to balance masculine and feminine energies and to protect against electromagnetic pollution. It is linked to the heart and throat chakras.

Related stones

Microcline, orthoclase, moonstone, sunstone and labradorite (other feldspars). Stones that can look similar include turquoise, chrysoprase, jade, green aventurine, larimar, chrysocolla and dyed glass or quartzite.

For the technically minded

← All gemstones in the guide