mineral
Amazonite
K(AlSi3O8) - Potassium Aluminum Silicate
Hardness: 6-6.5 Mohs; Color: Green to bluish-green, often with white streaks; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions
- Hardness
- 6-6
- Color
- Green to bluish-green, often with white streaks
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-6.5 Mohs; Color: Green to bluish-green, often with white streaks; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions
Formation & geological history
Formed in plutonic rocks, primarily granitic pegmatites. The green color is caused by trace amounts of lead and water within the feldspar latice.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a gemstone, for lapidary work (cabochons, beads), and as a collector specimen. Occasionally used as an ornamental stone.
Geological facts
Named after the Amazon River, although it is not actually found there. It is the green variety of Microcline feldspar. Historically, it was used by ancient Egyptians for jewelry and making the handle of daggers.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinctive robin-egg blue or green color and 'schiller' or grid-like white patterns (exsolution lamellae). Commonly found in Russia, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Colorado, USA.
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Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic