Mineral

Amazonite

Potassium Feldspar (Microcline) - K(AlSi3O8)

Hardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Turquoise, green, or blue-green; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions; Specific Gravity: 2.56-2.58

Hardness: 6-6
Color: Turquoise, green, or blue-green
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified March 17, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Turquoise, green, or blue-green; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions; Specific Gravity: 2.56-2.58

Formation & geological history

Formed in plutonic rocks, primarily granitic pegmatities. Its color is attributed to small amounts of lead and water within the feldspar structure. These minerals can be hundreds of millions of years old, often dating to the Precambrian or Paleozoic eras.

Uses & applications

Predominantly used as a gemstone for jewelry (cabochons, beads, carvings) and collected as ornamental mineral specimens. It is also used occasionally in decorative tiles or mosaics.

Geological facts

Named after the Amazon River, though it is not actually found there. The green color was long thought to be due to copper, but modern research suggests it is caused by lead and water impurities acting on the feldspar during irradiation from nearby radioactive minerals.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct teal/green color and 'schiller' effect (shimmering sheen). It is commonly found in the Ilmen Mountains (Russia), Colorado and Virginia (USA), Madagascar, and Brazil. Collectors look for high color saturation and distinct white streaks (exsolution lamellae).

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral