Amazonite Rough Stone from Brazil
 

Weight:  164.7 gram (823.5 carat)

Dimension:  67x55x33 mm 
 

Location: from Brazil

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Amazonite

Amazonite is a gemstone variety of green microcline, a feldspar mineral. It is named after the Amazon river in Brazil. Surprisingly, no deposits of it have been found there. The name may refer to the variable green shades of the rainforest along the big river that are reflected in the gemstone. Amazonite, is usually cut en cabochon, with a rounded and convex polished surface. In fact a fine quality amazonite can be mistaken for precious jade. Like jade, Amazonite is often carved as well. Amazonite does not undergo any kind of treatment. Its relative softness of 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale makes Amazonite vulnerable to pressure and scratches and requires some care. Amazonite, though not common, is still very affordable.

Amazonite is said to calm one's emotions and soothe nerves, and to enhance creativity and the ability to express oneself. Perhaps the strongest recommendation of its metaphysical powers is that Amazonite is said to make your married life happier.

Amazonite colors
Amazonite color varies from green, yellow-green to blue-green. The color distribution is irregular. Some gemstones may also exhibit fine white streaks.

Amazonite is slightly soft, 6-6.5 on the (Mohs scale), sensitive to pressure and be scratched by harder stones.

Lighting
Amazonite exposes its beauty best in daylight, more precisely in the hours after sunrise and before sunset, when the light is warm and soft.

Clarity
Amazonite is opaque to translucent and rarely transparent. Its luster is vitreous.

Cut
Amazonite is usually cut en cabochon. The green stone, set in silver, creates nice pieces of jewelry, be it bracelets, necklaces, rings, earrings, or brooches and pendants.

Amazonite location and deposits
The most important deposits are found in Colorado (since 1876). Other locations are in Brazil, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, Russia and Zimbabwe.

Amazonite gemology
Species: Feldspar
Color: Green, blue-green
Chemical composition: KalSi3O8 potassium aluminum silicate
Crystal system: Triclinic, prismatic
Hardness: 6-6.5 (Mohs scale)
Specific gravity: 2.56 – 2.58
Refractive index: 1.522 – 1.530
Birefringence: -0.008
Color of streak: White,
Absorption spectrum: Not diagnostic
Fluorescence: Weak; olive-green