Amazonite - Colors, quality and care

Amazonite is the stone that gives a calm sea-glass look: blue-green, fresh and slightly dreamy - often with fine light stripes or a misty pattern that makes each stone unique. In jewelry, amazonite feels both relaxed and exclusive at the same time, and it goes particularly well with a Nordic, natural look.

What is amazonite?

Amazonite is a green to blue-green variant of the mineral feldspar (more precisely microcline). It is typically not crystal clear, but instead has a more milky, smooth appearance with characteristic lines and veins. Therefore, amazonite is often cut as cabochons or used as beads, where the color and pattern take center stage.

Colors and expressions

Amazonite is in a fairly specific color range, but it can still vary greatly from stone to stone.

You typically see:

light teal (light and "summery")
more greenish/turquoise tone (warmer and more natural)
dusty blue with green undertones (cool and modern)
white streaks/ veins or cloudy fields (very classic amazonite look)

The most sought-after amazonite often has a bright blue-green color combined with a nice, harmonious pattern - without being too "messy".

Quality: what makes amazonite great?

Amazonite is judged mainly on color, uniformity/pattern, polish and overall impression.

Color: A fresh, clear blue-green is often perceived as most exclusive. If the color becomes too grey or brownish, it can appear more dull. Conversely, colors that are too "neon" can look less natural.

Pattern and structure: The light stripes and natural veils are part of amazonite's identity. It's all about balance: a nice pattern that gives life but still looks calm in the jewelry.

Finish: Polishing means a lot. A smooth, evenly polished surface makes the stone look more "silky" and luxurious. Small scratches can be seen on glossy surfaces, so a good finish makes a big difference.

Amazonite vs. turquoise and other blue-green stones

Amazonite is often compared to turquoise because the colors can be close. But they feel quite different in expression.

Typical comparisons:

Turquoise amazonite: often more opaque and can have dark veins; amazonite typically has lighter streaks and a more "feldspar" look
Blue chalcedony: more uniform and milky, without the classic stripes
Larimar: also bluish with "cloud" patterns, but a different tone and often more rare
Aquamarine: typically more clear and faceted, with a more "glassy" appearance

Caring for amazonite

Amazonite is a stone that needs a little care in everyday life - especially if you want to keep the surface nice and shiny.

For daily use: take it off for sports, cleaning, gardening, bathing and swimming. Avoid direct contact with perfume, hairspray, hand sanitizer, creams and detergents.

Cleaning: lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth. If there is dirt on the socket, you can use a very soft brush. Rinse gently and dry completely. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning is not an obvious choice for amazonite.

Store amazonite separately so it doesn't get scratched by harder stones or metal on metal.

Styling: when does amazonite work best?

Amazonite is brilliant for a light, natural color universe - it does a lot without being loud.

Silver/rhodium-plated gives a cool, clean look that highlights the blue side of the stone. Gold/gold plated makes the look warmer and can make the green tone pop. Amazonite also looks great paired with pearls, clear stones or other light materials if you want to keep it elegant and calm.