Amazonite – the Stone of Courage

It is also known as the stone of courage, and according to one tradition its name comes from the Amazons, the warrior women who worshiped the moon goddess Diana. Others suggest that the name comes from the belief that the stone was discovered near the Amazon River.

Associated with the planet Uranus. According to some astrologers, the stone gives strength to Aquarius, while others believe it is especially suitable for Sagittarius and Capricorn born in December. Some astrological schools associate Amazonite with Virgo and Cancer.

Hardness: 6 to 6.5

Color: bright green to blue-green. Amazonite is translucent (a variety of feldspar).

Chakras: heart and throat

Deposits: It has not been found in Bulgaria; Brazil, USA, Russia, Madagascar, Southwest Africa

Chemical composition: microcline with copper impurities, a type of potassium feldspar

Appearance: monoclinic, with a vitreous luster and perfect cleavage

History and legends associated with Amazonite:

The stone does not come from the Amazon River region of South America. Many believe that its name honors the river, while according to others it was named after one of the Amazons who worshiped the Moon – Diana.

The stone was known and revered as far back as Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. It was familiar to a number of cultures in the Middle East.

In the works of Pliny, Amazonite was mentioned in connection with the Assyrians, who associated it with their god Bel and used it in religious rituals.

A number of objects made from the stone and used by indigenous peoples have been discovered in Central and South America.

Uses and effects

It is considered especially suitable during a new cycle in life – a career change, after divorce or marriage, the birth of a child, new projects, significant personal changes, and so on. If you wear or keep Amazonite close to you, its subtle vibrations are said to “remind” you to stay committed to your decision and welcome the new, especially in moments of hesitation.

Amazonite is believed to support you when you need to call upon your inner fighting spirit. It is associated with determination and strength.

It is favored by gamblers for attracting luck and money. It is also used by anyone relying on chance in the hope of securing success.

Amazonite is often used for divination in Tarot and rune practices because it is believed to enhance clairvoyant abilities.

Amazonite is also known for being believed to:

• Support the ability to release grief from the emotional body by finding a constructive expression for it.
• Open the connection between the thymus chakra/emotional body and the throat chakra/etheric body.
• Encourage the release of emotions so they can be healed and overcome.
• Improve concentration and help with completing projects.
• Be suitable for writers, musicians, dancers and people involved in non-verbal arts.
• Normalize calcium levels and the functions of the parathyroid and thyroid glands.
• Replenish the body’s nutritional reserves in cases of alcoholism.

Healing properties:

It is believed to calm the nervous system and strengthen the heart and body.

In cases of depression or psychological or physical discomfort, it is traditionally placed on the third eye for several minutes. This practice is said to remove energetic blockages along the main life meridian. It is considered particularly effective in practices related to fear neuroses. In addition to placing it on the third eye when needed, it is traditionally placed on the solar plexus for 15 minutes in the morning and evening; at other times it is held in the hand.

For headaches and migraines, the temples are traditionally massaged gently for an extended period, after which the stone is placed on the forehead energy center.

For high blood pressure and disturbances in heart rhythm, it is traditionally placed on the breastbone whenever convenient, or at least three times a day.

After use, it is washed and left to air-dry without wiping.

Sources used:

• Barbara Ann Brennan, Hands of Light, Sofia: Kibea, 2000.
• Kivrin, Vladimir. The Healing and Magical Properties of Crystals. Sofia: Paritet, 2014.
• Conway, D. J. Gemstones and Their Magical Properties. Sofia: Aratron, 2008.
• Miteva, Gergana. Ivan Mitev. Encyclopedia of Healing Minerals: A-Z: Second Expanded Edition, Haskovo: Opponent Publishing House, 2004.
• Nelson, Mary, Jane Scrivner. Healing with Stones, Sofia: Mont, 2011.
• Stein, Diane. Gemstone Healing. Sofia: Aratron, 2005.