AMAZONITE - Atlantis Institute Crystals Encyclopedia
Origin
A subdivision of Feldspar is Alkali Feldspar which is typically rich in potassium, and from this evolves the Microcline type, which is mainly white or pale yellow. In rare cases, the Microcline may appear a blue | or green colour, which is then termed the semi-precious stone, Amazonite.
Amazonite is created in sedimentary and metamorphic rocks when potassium-rich hot silica acid changes from a liquid | gas formation into a solid compound. The blue | and green colour is determined by traces of lead and water that remain in the silica acid.
All crystals belong to a different group according to the basis of the relationships of their axes. There are seven systems and 32 classes of symmetry. Amazonite crystals belong to the Triclinic system.
History
The earliest reference to Amazonite is in the Egyptian Book of the Dead, which dates back to 3400 BCE and recommends green feldspar (the earlier name for Amazonite) as an amulet in various text parts.
The Amazonite heart scarab amulet, used during the weighing of the heart ceremony when sending the soul on its journey to the underworld, was recovered as a ring from King Tutankhamun's tomb.
Contrary to its name, Amazonite or green Feldspar has never been found near the Amazon River region. Instead, the name is said to have derived from tales told by the ancient Greeks where the female Amazon Warriors wore shields decorated with green | and blue stone. When the interest in Crystals grew in the 18th Century, the name was changed from Green Feldspar to Amazonite.
Amazonite is limited in occurrence and was initially mined from granite rocks in the Miass area of Russia. It was later found in Colorado, Virginia, Madagascar and Brazil.
Specification
Amazonite is easily fractured in its raw form, so care is taken to use it for cutting gemstones. The stones are polished to display bright green colours and are also enhanced through tumbling. Apart from this, Amazonites enter the market in their natural form.
Varieties
Amazonite is a variety of the Feldspar Mineral group, particularly the Alkali (Potassium) Group. Amazonite can sometimes be mistaken for jade, turquoise, aventurine, serpentine and chalcedony, among others, yet the most popular related gemstones are:
- Sunstone
- Moonstone
- Orthoclase
- Labradorite
- Andesine
Esoteric Attributes
By their very nature, Crystals can receive and focus energy differently. Their molecular structure enables them to be used to amplify and convert energy. Hence, crystals have been used for centuries to aid healing and transmute energy both in the metaphysical and physical world.
Because each crystal family has different formational backgrounds, each also has different vibrational frequencies that can be harnessed and used for specific purposes. Each, therefore, has particular qualities that can help a person heal on the many different levels of their being.
The following is a list of healing attributes associated with Amazonite crystals.
Mental: Strengthen logic and intuition to enhance problem-solving. It gives us the confidence in our powers to achieve greatness and determine our fate.
Emotional: Unites the male | and female communication and energies regarding love. It strengthens the balance of emotion and has a calming influence over mood definition.
Physical: Amazonite is a facilitator of childbirth, aiding the internal organs and harmonising vegetative nervous systems and the brain. It also helps to regulate metabolic disorders.
Crystal Chart - Amazonite
Crystal: Amazonite
Mineralogy: Potassium aluminium silicate K(AISi308)
Geometric form: Triclinic Prismatic
Formation: Primary
Family: Silicate Feldspar
Birthstone Ayurvedic Birthstones Amazonite is not an Ayurvedic Birthstone.
Astrology Birthstone (Zodiac) Amazonite is associated with the astrological sign of Leo (23rd July to 22nd August).
Appearance: Vitreous, dull, translucent to opaque. Green | Blue-Green colour with veins of white.
Aura: Amazonite crystals are used to strengthen the communication of the speech of truth with higher levels.
It aids the aura in processing the meaning of this process, working with strong vibrations through the throat Chakra.
Colour: Green or Blue-green with strands of white veins running through the stone.
Chakra: Amazonite is attuned to the throat and heart Chakras.
References and resources:
Michael Gienger, Healing Crystals, Earthdancer Books, 2009
The Columbia Encyclopedia, Crystal, 6th ed. 2014
World of Earth Science, Quartz, 2003
Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology, Crystal Healing, 2001
http://gemstone-dictionary.com/birthstones-by-month.php
New Oxford American Dictionary
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