amazonite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical / Specialized
Quick answer
What does “amazonite” mean?
A bright green variety of microcline feldspar, used as a gemstone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A bright green variety of microcline feldspar, used as a gemstone.
A mineral prized in lapidary work and jewellery for its distinctive green colour, often associated with the Amazon region, though not definitively sourced from there.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
None beyond the technical/specialist domain.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects, confined to specialist contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “amazonite” in a Sentence
The [noun] is made of amazonite.They mined amazonite from the [location].She collected amazonite [specimens/beads].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amazonite” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The amazonite cabochon was stunning.
- An amazonite deposit was discovered.
American English
- The amazonite necklace caught her eye.
- They surveyed the amazonite vein.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the gemstone and jewellery trade: 'The supplier has a new batch of high-quality amazonite.'
Academic
Used in geology and mineralogy papers: 'The formation of amazonite is linked to trace lead content.'
Everyday
Rare; might occur in hobbies: 'I bought a bracelet with amazonite beads.'
Technical
Standard term in mineral identification and lapidary contexts: 'The sample was identified as amazonite based on its triclinic structure and colour.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “amazonite”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amazonite”
- Misspelling as 'amazonate' or 'amazonit'.
- Confusing it with jade or other green stones.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, despite the name, there is no confirmed source in the Amazon Basin. The name likely derives from the Amazon River or the mythical Amazons.
Its green to blue-green colour is caused by trace amounts of lead and water within the microcline feldspar structure.
Yes, it is quite popular in beadwork and as cabochons due to its colour and relative affordability, though it has moderate hardness.
Amazonite has a hardness of 6 to 6.5, making it suitable for jewellery that won't suffer heavy abrasion.
A bright green variety of microcline feldspar, used as a gemstone.
Amazonite is usually technical / specialized in register.
Amazonite: in British English it is pronounced /ˈaməzənʌɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæməzəˌnaɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the AMAZON rainforest (green) and the suffix -ITE (meaning mineral/rock). Amazonite is a green mineral.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A for concrete mineral terms.
Practice
Quiz
Amazonite is primarily classified as a type of what?