mineral

Amazonite

Microcline (KAlSi3O8)

Hardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Pale green, greenish-blue, to deep blue-green. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Triclinic. Cleavage: Perfect in two directions. Specific gravity: 2.56-2.58.

Hardness: 6-6
Color: Pale green, greenish-blue, to deep blue-green
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified June 18, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed primarily in granitic pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and occasionally metamorphic rocks, often associated with smoky quartz, albite, and mica. Its color is attributed to trace amounts of lead and water within the feldspar structure.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as a gemstone for cabochons, beads, carvings, and as a popular mineral specimen for collectors due to its unique color.

Geological facts

Also known as Amazonstone, it was named after the Amazon River, although no deposits have actually been found there. It is the official gemstone of Colorado, USA, where famous specimens are found alongside smoky quartz.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its distinct blue-green color, characteristic feldspar exsolution lamellae (light streaking), and two directions of cleavage at nearly 90-degree angles. Commonly found in Colorado and Virginia (USA), Madagascar, Brazil, and Russia.