mineral
Amazonite
Microcline (variety of Potassium Feldspar), KAlSi3O8
Hardness: 6-6.5 Mohs scale. Color: Green to blue-green with white streaks. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Triclinic. Cleavage: Perfect in two directions. Specific Gravity: 2.56-2.58.
- Hardness
- 6-6
- Color
- Green to blue-green with white streaks
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
Identified More mineral →
Explore Amazonite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-6.5 Mohs scale. Color: Green to blue-green with white streaks. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Triclinic. Cleavage: Perfect in two directions. Specific Gravity: 2.56-2.58.
Formation & geological history
Forms in granitic magmas, specifically in pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. Its distinct color is attributed to the presence of small amounts of lead and water within the feldspar structure. Most specimens are from the Phanerozoic eon.
Uses & applications
Primary use is in jewelry as cabochons, carvings, and beads. It is also a very popular specimen for mineral collectors due to its unique turquoise-like color.
Geological facts
Also known as Amazon Stone, it was originally named after the Amazon River, although no deposits have actually been found there. It was used in jewelry in ancient Egypt and the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinctive blue-green color and the presence of white, wiggly streaks (exsolution lamellae). Commonly found in the Ilmen Mountains (Russia), Colorado (USA), and Madagascar.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock