Amazonite is a blue-green variety of microcline, one of the feldspar minerals. Its soft turquoise colour comes from tiny traces of lead and water locked into the crystal. Despite the name, it is not actually found along the Amazon River. The name likely came from green stones traded in the region long ago. Amazonite has been loved since ancient Egypt, and beads of it were found in Tutankhamun's tomb. Today, most of it comes from Russia, Colorado in the USA, Madagascar and Brazil.
With a hardness of 6 to 6.5, amazonite suits pendants and earrings best. Like most feldspars, it has cleavage planes, so a hard knock can chip it. That makes it less ideal for everyday rings. It is almost always cut as cabochons or beads to show off its silky colour and white streaks. Clean it gently with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. Skip ultrasonic cleaners and harsh chemicals, and it will stay lovely for years.
All of these are gemstones in the same family (feldspars), each with its own signature glow or shimmer.
