Amazonite is an exotic quartzite sourced from Brazil, known for its striking range of emerald, turquoise, and sea-glass green tones. The surface has a water-like quality, cut through with veins of taupe, white, and smoky charcoal. It's extremely hard — harder than marble — which makes it a practical pick for kitchens and outdoor facades that see heavy use. Despite the name, it has no direct connection to the Amazon River. Historically, Amazonian warriors reportedly used the mineral to decorate their shields. The green coloring comes from trace amounts of lead and water locked inside the stone's crystalline structure.