Thursday, March 13, 2014

Stones: Amazonite

I do have more jasper, but I thought I'd take a break today and show you a feldspar called Amazonite

Of all the minerals out there, feldspar is the most common. In fact it is 60% of the earth's crust. But despite its abundance, there are only a few varieties considered to be of gemstone quality. The name feldspar is a German word, which loosely translates as a rock that contains ore. And 'spar' is a generic term used by geologist to refer to any non-metallic mineral with a glassy luster that breaks on distinct planes. (Johan Gottschalk Wallerius officially named it in 1747).

You can see the breaks in the stone that add so much character to the patterns in the stone. It was named after the South American river, which partially flows through Brazil. And it is believe that it was originally found there, but mineralogists have argued that there are no green deposits of feldspar that exist in Brazil's Amazon region. As a result the stones were later assumed to be nephrite jade. Actual Amazonite is found only in a few places around the world. For a long time it was thought they could only be found in Russia's Ilmen Mountains and Madagascar. That is until recently, as it has been found in Colorado, Virginia, Australia and yes, Brazil.

Today I'm showing you 2 versions of the stone. One that is mostly the pale green color of the stone with streaks of copper running through it. They are paired with the same color Amazonite rondelles and copper. The second pair has a more grainy color in it so I paired them with a darker color of Amazonite rondelles. I do really love how the copper brings out the patterns in this stone.

14 comments:

  1. Beautiful examples Cynthia, and you have a way of pulling it all together gracefully and beautifully.

    Oh, and the Great Scot already read your comment; he laughed!

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  2. Both are lovely -- I love the lighter ones with the streaks of copper. Beautiful!

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  3. Gorgeous Cynthia,
    Amanzonite is a beautiful stone in its raw state and after it has been cut and polished. I love both pairs of earrings, but the darker pair is my favorite.
    Therese

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  4. Amanzonite is one of my favorite stones. I love the aqua color with the copper inclusions. Both pair of earrings are beautiful.

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  5. This week's posts are really exciting with the same pattern, different stones and metal. This amazonite is spectacular! Esp the pair on the right. That darker contrast is gorgeous.

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  6. Absolutely gorgeous. Going to check you out on Etsy…

    Pearl

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  7. I have a glorious strand of graduated smooth rondelles that I haven't used. It's such a pretty color.

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  8. So pretty! I love the ones on the right. I love the style you're using for all these earrings too!

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  9. I always learn something for your posts and enjoy the pretty jewelry :)

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  10. I'm really loving all the jasper and stones you're showing this week - simply gorgeous!! All the details and info you're sharing with us has been just super, too! I think these Amazonite stones are some of my absolute favorite!

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  11. Both these earrings are so peaceful and calming! I love them!

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  12. Another gorgeous stone! I love it with the copper accenting the markings.

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  13. I've been enjoying catching up on your stone series, Cynthia. Oh there is so much to learn. Amazonite happens to be one of my favorites...thank you for the great info!

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  14. I love amazonite, the color is fantastic. Great earrings, and the copper is a nice touch.
    Valerie
    Everyday Inspired

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