Amazonite

Amazonite, also known as Amazon Jade, is a type of microcline, a feldspar mineral that occurs in short prismatic crystals or in large masses. In the past, the colour of amazonite was a mystery. Some people believed the colour of the substance was attributed to copper because of the blue and green color of copper compounds. A 1985 analysis showed that the blue-green hue originated from the presence of lead and water. Amazonite is an uncommon mineral. Formerly, this compound was collected primarily from southwest of Chelyabinsk, Russia, where it occurs in granitic rocks. Now Amazonite has also been found in different parts of the world including China, South Africa and the United States.

Amazonite was worn as jewelry in South and Central America, and was thought to have decorated the arms of the semi-mythical Amazonians, a fearsome female warrior group of Pre-Colombian times. They used Amazonite as a healing tool to treat wounds and sickness. The conquistadors prized it for its usage as a cult icon. Amazonite is named for the Amazon River and its nearby lush jungle, where the green stone was found. If these stones are the Amazonite we recognize today, is unclear since they are not actually present in the basin region of the Great River.

Amazonite has been dubbed the Stone of Courage and the Stone of Truth as it calms the chakras and aligns the outer body to the inner body. It is helpful to the Heart and Throat Chakras, improving loving connection on all levels. As a strong talisman of healing and growth, it awakens tolerance for others by helping one to consider all sides of an issue and embrace opposing views.