Beautiful Blue Amazonite

Amazonite was named for the Amazon River, or maybe for the mythological Amazon women warriors. In fact, deposits of this lovely blue stone have not been found near the Amazon River, and who knows the real story of the Amazon women? How do things get named like this? People see something, think it looks like something else, start calling it that repeatedly, and eventually the name sticks, just like that unwanted nickname your brother gave you.

An earth stone, amazonite has many healing properties. It is believed to increase courage and strength of will. It also helps to change negative thinking patterns into more positive ones, and to inspire truth, eloquence, and trust. When held near the third eye or sixth chakra (center of the forehead), amazonite helps unlock psychic vision and improve clairvoyance. But it’s not over yet. Amazonite has a calming effect and can help with clarity of thought and improve creativity. Other healing uses for this gemstone include easing childbirth to clearing skin eruptions, alleviating muscle spasms to providing more physical energy.

Historically, the most desired amazonite was deeper colored, had more green in it, and came from Russia. However in the late 1800s beautiful strains were found in Colorado, overshadowing the Russian strains. Interestingly, amazonite that has darker green colors is generally still called Russian amazonite, regardless of where it is mined.

Amazonite has been used in decorations for centuries. Archeologists have unearthed items made from amazonite by the ancient Egyptians and other Middle Eastern cultures. Personally, I love amazonite paired with onyx – I think the combination serves both stones well. I also like the combo of amazonite cubes and onyx rounds in this particular cuff, creating interest that all of one shape couldn’t accomplish. Although this bracelet isn’t on my website just yet, you can always contact me through here or their to order one.

WARNING: Amazonite is NOT a stone you’d want your toddler to suck on, amazonite gets its color from the presence of lead. I don’t know if the lead can leach out, but I wouldn’t want to test it with my child! So I’d suggest not wearing jewelry or talisman made from amazonite while you’re nursing or while you have a young child who’s likely to be often carried and putting things in her mouth.