mineral

Amazonite

Potassium feldspar (Microcline) - K(AlSi3O8)

Hardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Green, bluish-green, or turquoise. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Triclinic. Cleavage: Perfect in two directions. Specific gravity: 2.56-2.58.

Hardness: 6-6
Color: Green, bluish-green, or turquoise
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified March 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Green, bluish-green, or turquoise. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Triclinic. Cleavage: Perfect in two directions. Specific gravity: 2.56-2.58.

Formation & geological history

Forms primarily in deep-seated plutonic rocks, specifically granitic pegmatites. The green color is caused by trace amounts of lead and water within the feldspar structure. It is found in formations ranging from Precambrian to more recent igneous intrusions.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as a gemstone for jewelry (cabochons and beads) and as an ornamental stone for carvings. It is also a very popular mineral specimen for collectors due to its unique color.

Geological facts

Named after the Amazon River, though it is not actually found there. It was used in ancient Egypt for jewelry and amulets, and was famously found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. The color was long thought to be due to copper, but 1980s research confirmed lead impurities.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct 'Schiller' effect (a silvery sheen) and its blocky cleavage. Common locations include the Pikes Peak area in Colorado (USA), Minas Gerais (Brazil), and the Ural Mountains (Russia).

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