Amazonite
Stone

Amazonite

Colour
Mint green
Care profile
Extra Care
About the stone

Amazonite is a blue-green variety of feldspar (microcline).

Its distinctive hue comes from trace amounts of lead in its structure.

It does have a weakness: two directions of perfect cleavage, which means it can split under a strong blow, so it should be set with care.

Its name is a small historical misnomer: it’s named after the Amazon River, yet it has never been found there.

Spanish explorers likely mistook another green stone from the region, and the name stuck.

By contrast, it was truly prized in ancient Egypt, appearing among Tutankhamun’s funerary treasures alongside lapis lazuli and carnelian.

Its color ranges from mint green to pale turquoise, sometimes with fine white veining.

It is sourced from Russia, the United States (Colorado, Virginia), Madagascar, and Brazil.

Associated with calm, balance, and self-expression, amazonite is said to help soothe the mind.

With a hardness of 6–6.5, it is moderately durable, but can scratch or chip upon impact.

It’s worth protecting it from shocks and chemicals. Its opaque-to-translucent appearance is beautifully brought out in 925 silver, especially in statement pieces.

Amazonite care

How to care for it.

Care profile
Extra Care
Attention level
Cleaning
  • Only light hand washing (soft cloth, mild soap).
  • Completely avoid ultrasound and steam cleaning.
  • Do not use abrasive materials or harsh chemicals.
Exposure precautions
  • Remove jewelry before bathing, swimming, or household cleaning.
  • Prolonged exposure to sunlight can discolor sensitive stones.
  • Avoid sudden temperature changes (risk of cracking).
Storage
  • Store in a lined box or pouch, separate from other jewelry.
  • For silver, use anti-tarnish strips.
  • Maintain a dry environment; you can add silica gel packets if needed.