Ruqayyah Snyder
Amazonite is a bluish-green gem mineral and a variety of microcline feldspar. It is found in various places around the world, including Australia, where it can be found on the Eyre Peninsula, in Koppio, and at the Baila Hill Mine (also known as the Koppio Amazonite Mine). Amazonite has been used in jewellery for over 3000 years, including in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, and is still used today in unique jewellery by designers who specialise in using unusual gems.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Australian Locations | Eyre Peninsula, Koppio, Baila Hill Mine (Koppio Amazonite Mine), Broken Hill NSW, Harts Range in the NT |
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What You'll Learn
Eyre Peninsula
The Eyre Peninsula in South Australia is a triangular peninsula, 200 miles (322 km) long, located between Spencer Gulf to the east and the Great Australian Bight to the west, with the Gawler Ranges to the north. The area is known for its large iron ore deposits in the Middleback Range near Whyalla, at the northeastern base of the peninsula. There is also a commercial nephrite jade mine near Cowell, and jade souvenirs can be purchased in the town.
The peninsula has many small inactive mines and quarries, and is considered prospective for a variety of minerals, including graphite, coal, and uranium. The 2000s saw increased mineral exploration activity on the peninsula, with several advanced mine development projects initiated in the 2010s, including Ironclad Mining's Wilcherry Hill and Centrex Metals' Fusion Magnetite Project. Amazonite, a bluish-green gem mineral, has been found in the region, specifically at the Koppio Amazonite Mine in Baila Hill.
The region has a rich geological history and has attracted interest from mineral explorers and miners for decades. The presence of amazonite in the Eyre Peninsula is particularly notable, as it is a mineral with a limited occurrence worldwide. Amazonite is a variety of microcline, a potassium feldspar mineral, and its distinct colour is thought to result from trace amounts of lead.
The Eyre Peninsula is not just a source of minerals but also a place of cultural and natural significance. The area is home to the Wirangu people, and the town of Ceduna lies within Wirangu country. The peninsula's coastline offers a diverse range of landscapes, from rugged cliffs to pristine beaches, and supports a variety of wildlife, including seabirds and marine mammals.
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Koppio
Amazonite is a trade name for a variety of microcline, a potassium-rich member of the feldspar mineral group. It is characterised by its greenish-blue to bluish-green colour, which has been described as "beautiful" and "lively". The mineral has been used in jewellery for over 3,000 years, with archaeological finds in Middle and New Kingdom Egypt and Mesopotamia. However, it is rarely used in mass-market jewellery today due to its limited availability and lack of consumer familiarity.
The Baila Hill deposit is a source of bright green to pale blue-green amazonite-bearing pegmatite that traverses Lincoln Complex granite gneiss. Amazonite is found in various places worldwide, including Australia, China, Libya, Mongolia, Ethiopia, South Africa, Sweden, and the United States.
It is important to note that while amazonite is sought after in the New Age market for its perceived healing and spiritual benefits, there are potential health risks associated with the mineral. A 2021 study found that the amount of lead in a sample of amazonite exceeded the recommended amount by five times when exposed to an acidic solution simulating saliva.
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Baila Hill Mine
Amazonite, also known as "Amazon stone", is a green variety of microcline, a feldspar mineral, that can be found in various locations across Australia. One of the notable sites where amazonite has been discovered is Baila Hill Mine, which is located in the southern part of the Northern Territory, approximately 135 km north-northwest of Alice Springs.
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Broken Hill, NSW
Amazonite is a bluish-green to greenish-blue gem mineral, a variety of microcline, and a member of the potassium feldspar group. It has been used as a gemstone for over 2,000 years, with archaeological evidence of its use in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Amazonite can be found in various places around the world, including Australia. In Australia, amazonite can be found in Broken Hill, Yancowinna County, New South Wales. Broken Hill is a city in the far west region of outback New South Wales, near the border with South Australia. It is an inland mining city known for its silver-lead-zinc ore deposits, which have made it a significant location in Australia's mining history. The city has a semi-arid climate with low rainfall, and its elevation is 315 meters (1,033 feet) above sea level.
Broken Hill has a rich history and is home to several heritage-listed sites, including the Tarrawingee Tramway, a narrow-gauge railway line that once transported limestone to the city's mines. The city was also the site of a tragic attack in 1915, when two immigrant supporters of the Ottoman Empire fired upon an excursion train, resulting in multiple casualties. In addition, Broken Hill played a crucial role in land transportation during World War II due to the threat posed by submarines and mines to coastal shipping.
Today, Broken Hill is easily accessible by rail and air, with the Broken Hill railway station serving as a stop on the Indian Pacific passenger service from Sydney to Perth via Adelaide. The city is also served by Rex Airlines, offering flights to and from several major cities in Australia.
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Harts Range, NT
Amazonite is a bluish-green to greenish-blue variety of microcline, a potassium feldspar mineral. It has been used as a gemstone for over 2000 years, with archaeological evidence of its use in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. While it is now known to occur in various places around the world, including the US, Russia, China, Libya, Ethiopia, and Sweden, among others, this response will focus on Harts Range in the Northern Territory of Australia as a source of amazonite.
Harts Range in the Northern Territory is a mineral-rich area nestled among mountains such as Mount Brassey, Mount Palmer, and Mount Mabel in the southeast of the region. The rocks in the Mount Palmer area are part of the lower to middle proterozoic Harts Range Group. The Central Harts Range fossicking area provides access to the public for mining activities and is known for yielding minerals such as garnets and transparent, dark reddish-brown material suitable for cutting.
Amazonite is reported to be found in the Central Desert Region of Harts Range. This area has a history of mining, particularly for mica, which was extracted from the Northern Territory, mostly from Harts Range, until the industry's decline in 1960. The mountains in Harts Range, with their variation in colour and strangely shaped rock outcrops, attract photographers and geologists alike.
The durability of amazonite, with a Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5, makes it suitable for use in jewellery items like earrings, pendants, and pins, which encounter less abrasion and impact compared to rings or bracelets. However, amazonite's perfect cleavage in two directions means it can be easily broken if bumped against a hard object. This characteristic should be considered when selecting its application in jewellery design.
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Frequently asked questions
Amazonite is found in the Eyre Peninsula, Koppio, and the Baila Hill Mine (also known as the Koppio Amazonite Mine). Possible locations for this specimen could also include Broken Hill, NSW, or Harts Range in the NT.
Amazonite is a semi-opaque blue-green variety of microcline, a form of alkali feldspar. It is a gemstone that has been used in jewellery for over 2,000 years.
Amazonite ranges in colour from white, yellow, and pink to various shades of blue and green.
Amazonite is used for jewellery, ornamental pieces, and one-of-a-kind jewellery made by designers who use unusual gems.
Amazonite is found in various places around the world, including China, Libya, Mongolia, Ethiopia, South Africa, Sweden, and the United States.
