mineral
Amazonite
Potassium Feldspar (Microcline), K(AlSi3O8)
Hardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: bright blue-green to turquoise; Luster: vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: triclinic; Cleavage: perfect in two directions; Specific gravity: 2.56-2.58
- Hardness
- 6-6
- Color
- bright blue-green to turquoise
- Luster
- vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: bright blue-green to turquoise; Luster: vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: triclinic; Cleavage: perfect in two directions; Specific gravity: 2.56-2.58
Formation & geological history
Formed in igneous environments, specifically granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins where potassium-rich fluids cool slowly. Its color is attributed to trace amounts of lead and water within the feldspar structure.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a gemstone for jewelry, ornamental carvings, and as a popular mineral specimen for collectors. Historically used in beads and amulets.
Geological facts
Named after the Amazon River, though it was later found that no true amazonite deposits exist there. It was used extensively in ancient Egypt; for example, King Tutankhamun's gold mask was inlaid with amazonite.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinct blue-green color and 'Schiller effect' (pearly luster on cleavage planes). Commonly found in Russia (Urals), Brazil, Madagascar, and the USA (Colorado and Virginia). Collectors should look for intense color and sharp crystal faces.
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Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
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Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic