Discovering the Gemstone Known as Amblygonite

Amblygonite, sometimes referred to as "The Prophet Stone, is a common phosphate gem that includes a number of other material like lithium, aluminum, and fluoride. This mineral is sometimes mistaken for another material known as albite because both can be found in granite pegmatite deposits.

Amblygonite is often found in the same mine area as the gemstones apatite, lepidolite, and tourmaline; all of which are lithium related minerals. It is most often found in white and pastel shades of green, lilac, pink, and yellow. However, it also comes totally translucent.

The gem is nothing new. It was discovered in the United Kingdom in the early 1800's. Its name is Greek for blunt (amblus) and angle (gouia) because of the way that the material grows.

Although originally found only in the U.K., deposits of amblygonite were eventually also found in Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Norway, Spain, and the United States. In the U.S., it is mined in California, Maine, and the Black Hills of South Dakota.

For the most part, it is the transparent form of amblygonite that is used as a gemstone. Although it can be found in cabochons and beads, it is usually faceted in order to bring out the delicacy of the stone's color.

Amblygonite is relatively soft, barely weighing in at a five on the Mohs scale of hardness. Unfortunately, that means that the gem is both difficult to work with and subject to easy damage when set within jewelry.

The gem is rarely set into rings or bracelets because such jewelry pieces take a lot of wear and tear. It is much more popular set within pendants, necklaces, earrings, and pins.

Amblygonite is not an expensive stone, so it is rarely set into precious gold. Instead, it is most often set into sterling silver or plated with gold or platinum.

Because the material is soft, cleaning jewelry items with this gem must be approached carefully. It is not recommended that amblygonite be submersed into harsh chemicals or into technology-driven machines like ultra-sonic cleaners. Harsh chemicals can damage the gem while machinery can crack or even break the stone.

Storage of jewelry items made with amblygonite should be approached equally carefully. It is suggested that such pieces be boxed separately or pouched in cloth or velvet before it is mixed in with other jewelry items.

Amblygonite is called The Prophet stone because many believe that it can help bring its wearer crystal clear understanding. Some psychics also believe that the stone can strengthen their unique gifts as well as help those of us who have latent skills to better develop them.

The stone also helps those who need to develop a sense of self worth. It can assist in the development of the critical feels of empathy and thoughtfulness. It is also believed to boost self-confidence.

The gem is also a healing stone. It is believed to be helpful in handling anxiety and stress. The stone is highly recommended for those who are inordinately nervous or over sensitive. It is believed to have balancing power. It calms and soothes the nerves and takes the raw edges off those feelings that would damage and hurt.

Amblygonite is the astrological sign for Taurus.