mineral

Amazonite

Microcline (KAlSi3O8) with lead impurities

Hardness: 6-6.5 Mohs; Color: Turquoise-green to blue-green with white streaking; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions.

Hardness: 6-6
Color: Turquoise-green to blue-green with white streaking
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified April 29, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-6.5 Mohs; Color: Turquoise-green to blue-green with white streaking; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions.

Formation & geological history

Formed in granitic pegmatites and metamorphic rocks through slow cooling of potassium-rich magma, often associated with smoky quartz and feldspar.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone for jewelry (cabochons and beads) and as a popular ornamental stone for carvings and decorative spheres.

Geological facts

Named after the Amazon River, though it is not actually found there; the green color was long a mystery but is now attributed to trace amounts of lead and water within the feldspar structure.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinct blue-green color and light-colored characteristic 'grid-like' or 'streaked' schiller effect. Found commonly in Brazil, Russia (Urals), Madagascar, and Colorado (USA).

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

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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