Amazonite
Potassium aluminium silicate (KAlSi3O8), microcline variety
The blue-green gem variety of microcline feldspar, often mottled with white, prized as an affordable ornamental stone.
- Mohs hardness
- 6-6.5
- Color
- Blue-green to green, often with white streaks
- Type
- mineral
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Overview
Amazonite is the attractive blue-green to green gem variety of microcline, a potassium feldspar. Its color is believed to result from trace lead and water within the structure rather than copper as once thought. It is typically translucent to opaque and frequently shows a white grid or streaks from intergrown albite (perthitic texture).
Named after the Amazon River (though it does not actually occur there), amazonite has been used as an ornamental and carving stone since antiquity, including in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
It is a popular, affordable stone for beads, cabochons and decorative objects, valued for its soothing turquoise-green color.
Formation & geology
Amazonite forms as microcline feldspar crystallizing in granites and especially granitic pegmatites, the coarse, late-stage igneous rocks. The blue-green color is associated with trace amounts of lead and structural water that develop under particular conditions during crystallization.
It often occurs alongside smoky quartz and other pegmatite minerals. Famous deposits include the Pikes Peak region of Colorado (USA), Russia (the Ilmen and Kola regions), Brazil, Madagascar, Ethiopia, India and Namibia.
How to identify it
Amazonite is blue-green to green, translucent to opaque, often showing white veining or a fine grid pattern (perthite) and a vitreous luster. Hardness is 6-6.5 and, as a feldspar, it has two directions of cleavage that produce flat reflective surfaces; streak is white.
Look-alikes: Turquoise is softer to similar but lacks feldspar cleavage and the white grid. Chrysocolla is softer and more often sky blue. Green aventurine sparkles and has no cleavage. Jade is tougher and more uniform. The feldspar cleavage planes plus the mottled blue-green color and white streaking identify amazonite.
Uses & significance
Amazonite is used for beads, cabochons, tumbled stones, carvings, inlay and decorative objects. It has a long history as an ornamental and amulet stone, including in ancient Egyptian jewelry. Its color makes it a popular affordable alternative to turquoise.
Because of its cleavage and moderate hardness it is better suited to pendants, earrings and beads than to heavy-wear rings. Even, deep blue-green material with attractive white patterning is most valued.
Metaphysically it is associated with calming communication, hope and the heart and throat chakras, though these claims are not scientifically supported.
Frequently asked questions
What gives amazonite its color?
Its blue-green color is attributed to trace amounts of lead and structural water in the microcline feldspar, not copper as once believed.
Is amazonite a type of jade?
No. It is sometimes called Amazon jade, but it is actually a feldspar (microcline), not true jade, and it has cleavage that jade lacks.
Can amazonite go in water?
Brief cleaning is fine, but as a feldspar with cleavage it is best not soaked for long; dry it and avoid harsh chemicals.
Why is it called amazonite if it isn't from the Amazon?
The name references the Amazon River, but no significant deposits occur there; the name is historical and somewhat of a misnomer.
Amazonite guides
In-depth guides for identifying, valuing, and understanding Amazonite.
Amazonite identified by the community
Real specimens identified with Rock Identifier.
