mineral

Amazonite

Tectosilicate Microcline (KAlSi3O8)

Hardness: 6-6.5 Mohs. Color: pale green to deep turquoise 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: pale green to deep turquoise with white streaks
Luster: vitreous to pearly

Identified July 7, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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 structure. Found in Pre-Cambrian to Paleozoic formations.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as a gemstone for jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, and as a popular specimen for mineral collectors and metaphysical practitioners.

Geological facts

Named after the Amazon River, though it is not actually found there. It is the official gemstone of Colorado, where high-quality specimens are found near Pikes Peak alongside smoky quartz.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its unique blue-green color and 'schiller' effect (subtle shimmering grid-like pattern). Common locations include Russia, Madagascar, Brazil, and the USA (Colorado and Virginia).