Amazonite

Amazonite is safe to handle in its finished, polished state, but excessive exposure to its dust may lead to heavy metal poisoning. When cutting or polishing amazonite, wear a dust mask to minimize dust inhalation. Store it in a sealed container in a well-ventilated area, away from children and pets. For those involved in crystal healing, never put it in your mouth.

Color, clarity, and weight are the decisive factors affecting the price of amazonite. At about 2.5 cm across, the price of a tumbled stone of average quality is usually $2-$8/piece.

Amazonite has poor toughness due to its perfect cleavage, making it susceptible to chipping or breaking when faced with impacts.

Amazonite can handle most average conditions, including water, short periods of sunlight, and dry environments. However, it is sensitive to prolonged exposure to the sun, heat and harsh chemicals, which may present occasional challenges.

Amazonite is a mineral of limited occurrence. Formerly it was obtained almost exclusively from the area of Miass in the Ilmensky Mountains, 50 miles southwest of Chelyabinsk, Russia, where it occurs in granitic rocks. Amazonite is now known to occur in various places around the globe. Those places are, among others, as follows: China: Baishitouquan granite intrusion, Hami Prefecture, Xinjiang: found in granite Libya: Jabal Eghei, Tibesti Mountains: found in granitic rocks Mongolia: Avdar Massif, Töv Province: found in alkali granite South Africa: Mogalakwena, Limpopo Province Khâi-Ma, Northern Cape Kakamas, Northern Cape Ceres Valley, Western Cape United States: Colorado: Deer Trail, Arapahoe County Custer County Devils Head, Douglas County Pine Creek, Douglas County Crystal Park, El Paso County Pikes Peak, El Paso County: found in coarse granites or pegmatite St. Peter's Dome, El Paso County Tarryall Mountains, Park County Crystal Peak, Teller County Virginia: Morefield Mine, Amelia County: found in pegmatite Rutherford Mine, Amelia County Pennsylvania: Media, Delaware County Middletown, Delaware County

Amazonite has a legendary history. It was said to be a favorite gemstone of the fabled female warrior tribe that once called the Brazilian rainforest home. The stones were used for jewelry and to adorn battle shields. It may not be used to decorate armor anymore, but it is still fashionable in jewelry.

Amazonite was prized as a gemstone for ages. In ancient Egypt, it was worshiped for its healing properties, but it was also associated with fertility and good luck. Carved into amulets, amazonite was thought to strengthen one's reproductive health.

Amazonite is often referred to as the "Hope Stone." It is said to release negative energy and restore the feelings of hope and joy that may be missing from one's life. It encourages communication and helps individuals speak their truth and follow through with positive actions. It is a great stone for visualization and manifestation.