Amazonite semi precious gemstone beads

Amazonite is known as the 'Amazon stone' and was named after South America's Amazon River, which flows through the heart of Brazil. It is a green semi precious gemstone variety of microcline, one of the semi precious gemstone varieties of feldspar. Amazonite is famed for its striking jade-like color and luster. Most amazonite semi precious gemstones are mottled, with uneven color distribution. Its green to light bluish-green color is owed to traces of iron. Fine top-quality amazonite can easily be mistaken for precious jade. As a variety of feldspar, amazonite semi precious gemstone beads is reasonably hard and is considered durable enough for most jewelry applications. Amazonite looks best when set into silver or white gold jewelry mountings. Amazonite semi precious gemstone with a high saturation of color, interesting patterns and evenly distributed color are considered the most desirable. Amazonite jewelry is extremely popular in South American countries.