Amazonite

Amazonite, also known as Amazonstone, is rare blue-green variety of the microcline, a mineral of the feldspar (potassium) group. The bluish-green color is due to small amounts of lead and water it contains. In ancient Egypt, Amazonite was made into pieces of jewelry. Alexander von Humboldt reported that an Indian tribe that lived on the Negro River wore Amazonite amulets. Therefore the name was associated with the Amazon River.

In Peru, Amazonite is mined in the central part of the Eastern Cordillera, along the Mantaro River and in the Vraem Valley. Given that this area is the main Peruvian drug production area obtaining the stone is rather difficult as it only happens thru middlemen.