MINERAL OF THE MONTH
February 2008: Amazonite
Amazonite, sometimes called Amazonstone, is a layered form of microcline feldspar; it was originally named after the Amazon River when similar green stones were found there. However, no deposits of Amazonite have ever been found near the Amazon River. Amazonite is a rare mineral. Originally, it was obtained from the Limen Mountains in Russia. More recently, it has been mined in the Pike’s Peak area of Colorado as well as in Madagascar, Canada, Italy, and Brazil.
Although Amazonite does exhibit a beautiful green color when polished, it is difficult to fashion into jewelry because it easily fractures. Most people believed that the blue-green color was due to copper compounds. Scientists discovered in the mid-1980s, though, that the color is caused by small quantities of lead and water.
Amazonite is a relatively soft stone, ranging from 5-6 on the Mohs scale. It has a specific gravity of around 2.56. It has a vitreous luster and can be translucent, or opaque if it contains a greater amount of impurities. It has a conchoidal fracture, but an also split between the layers. Because of the crystal structure within the mineral, it produces the schiller effect similar, but not quite as dramatic, as Labradorite.
It is thought that amazonite is a soothing stone that can improve self-confidence. It can also inspire confidence and positive attitude, and therefore can also diminish fear and anxiety.
Mineral of the Month Archives
May 2007 Rainbow Fluorite
June 2007 Lake Superior Michipicoten Agate
July 2007 Labadorite
August 2007 Rain Flower Agate
Fall 2007 Malachite
December 2007 Nepheline Syenite
January 2008 Native Copper
February 2008 Amazonite
March 2008 Lake Superior Agate
April 2008 Shadow Agate
May 2008 Apohpylite
June 2008 Ocean Jasper
Summer 2008 Marra Mamba Tiger's Eye
September 2008 Mohawkite
October 2008 Mexican opal
November 2008 Prehnite
December 2008 Picture Jasper
January 2009 Sea Shell Jasper
February 2009 Polychrome Jasper
March 2009 Selenite Desert Rose
Spring 2009 Coyamito Agate
July 2009 Obsidian Needles
August 2009 Goethite
September 2009 Banded Iron Formation
Fall 2009 Fairburn Agate
February 2010 Kentucky Agate
March 2010 Fossilized Dinosaur Bone
April/May 2010 Kentucky Agate
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