Amazonite vs Turquoise: What Are They, And What's The Difference?

Both Amazonite and Turquoise are beautiful stones that have a greenish-blue appearance.

However, there are many differences between the two, including their composition and where the gems can be found.

Keep reading to learn everything you ever wanted to know about Amazonite and Turquoise.

Amazonite vs Turquoise (EXPLAINED)

What is Amazonite?

Amazonite is a gem mineral that is a potassium rich gem that belongs to the microline feldspar group of minerals.

It was named for the Amazon River and has been used for over two thousand years.

It is green to bluish green in appearance.

It is believed that Amazonite also contains trace amounts of lead, which have an effect on its coloring.

How Is Amazonite Identified?

Amazonite varies in color from bluish green to green and, even in rare cases, greenish blue.

Amazonite can be pale in color or highly saturated and vivid.

Amazonite usually has streaks and inclusions of white quartz or feldspar that appear throughout the entire gem.

These white streaks and inclusions can be very prominent or subtle.

Amazonite can be easily broken due to is cleavage and it can be easily scratched due to the fact that it has a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs Scale.

Therefore, clean amazonite carefully.

Where is Amazonite Found?

Amazonite is found in deposits all over the world.

It was found in archeological sites in Egypt and Mesopotamia, proving that it has been mined and used by people for thousands of years.

Additionally, it can be found in:

Afghanistan
Australia
Brazil
Canada
China
Ethiopia
Madagascar
Namibia
Norway
Poland
Russia
Sweden
United States

What is Amazonite used for?

Amazonite is used frequently for jewelry.

The best way for Amazonite to be used in jewelry is as earrings, pendants and pins, because these items are less likely to come into contact with other items by hitting something or rubbing up against something as a ring or bracelet might.

It is often made into cabochons and tumbled stones.

It is also frequently used by gem and mineral admirers and enthusiasts as a collectors’ item.

Amazonite is very popular for crafts and in the new age/metaphysical realm, where it is used for its potential healing and spiritual properties.

What are the metaphysical properties and uses of Amazonite?

Amazonite is believed to hold many healing and spiritual properties and uses by the metaphysical and new age community.

We will explore these perceived uses and benefits below:

Perceived Healing Properties:

While none of these are medically proven, Amazonite is believed by many to help issues with thyroid glands and is useful in treating alcoholism.

It is also believed to help ease fatigue or trauma or other issues that take away one’s energy.

It is known for easing emotional trauma and alleviating fear or worry, as well as dissolving blockages in the nervous system.

Perceived Spiritual Benefits:

Amazonite is said to balance masculine and feminine energies and is used to help an individual see multiple facets of a problem or different points of view.

It is considered an encouraging gem that aids in boosting self-esteem and confidence and helps one to clear away negative thoughts or energy.

What is Turquoise?

Turquoise is a mineral that is a hydrous phosphate of copper and aluminum.

Its popularity for use in jewelry is so prevalent that its name is now also used to describe a color.

“Turquoise” defines a greenish blue color that was inspired by the color of the gemstone.

Minerals as inspiration for naming a color used in everyday life and language is so rare, that only three other minerals besides Turquoise can claim this honor.

Gold, silver and copper are the only other minerals that are so recognizable and unique that their appearance inspired a color that is widely recognized and referred to.

How Is Turquoise Identified?

Turquoise is identified by its sky blue to bluish green coloring, it often has brown, gray or black webbing or inclusions in it.

It can be waxy in its luster or dull if it has been subjected to a great deal of weathering.

It can also contain bluish white to greenish white streaks.

Where is Turquoise Found?

Turquoise is very often linked with Native Americans, but in fact, the earliest record of Turquoise being worn or utilized was in jewelry and ornaments used in royal burials in Egypt over 6000 years ago.

It was first identified and used in New Mexico over 2000 years ago.

Today, Turquoise can be found being mined in these locations in the United States:

Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
New Mexico
Nevada
Texas
Utah

Less commonly, quality Turqoise can also be found in Iran, Egypt, Mexico and northwest China, although these locations are less prominent and common than the mining locations in the southwest United States.

What is Turquoise Used for?

Turquoise is commonly used for jewelry and for works of art.

Since it was first discovered, it has been used by artists and jewelers as beads, pendants, sculptures and as inlays.

Native Americans have used Turquoise and sterling silver to create an iconic style of jewelry.

What are the metaphysical properties and uses of Turquoise?

Turquoise is believed to hold many healing and spiritual properties and is used heavily by the metaphysical and new age community.

We will explore these perceived uses and benefits below:

Perceived Healing Properties:

While none of these are medically proven, Turquoise is believed to boost the immune system and to combat viral infections.

It is also said to have anti-inflammatory properties which aid in easing rheumatism, gout and stomach issues.

It is believed to provide relief for migraines and headaches and allergies.

Perceived Spiritual Benefits:

Turqouise is widely considered to be one of the most powerful gemstone minerals by the metaphysical community.

It is believed to balance and align all of the chakras and is attributed with stabilizing a person’s mood and providing inner calmness and peace.

Turquoise is thought to boost self-realization and problem-solving abilities.

It is also credited with increasing spiritual understanding and enhancing communication between the physical realm and the spiritual realm.

Amazonite vs Turquoise: What are the differences?

Amazonite and Turquoises’ base color does have some similarities, but whereas Amazonite’s inclusions are white in color, Turqoiuse’s inclusions are dark.
Their physical composition is completely different since they are made of different elements.
Their uses for spiritual and healing purposes are widely varied.

Amazonite vs Turquoise: What are the similarities?

The similarities between the two basically start and end with the fact that their coloring can be very similar and that they are both used in jewelry.

Amazonite vs Turquoise: Why do people confuse the two gems?

These gems are often confused because of their similarity in their primary color of greenish-blue.

Now that we have explored Amazonite and Turquoise in depth, go out and find yourself some of each so you can admire their differences for yourself!