mineral

Amazonite

Microcline (KAlSi3O8) with trace lead/water inclusions

Hardness: 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: Blue-green to turquoise blue, often with white streaks or veining. Luster: Vitreous to pearly on cleavage planes. Crystal Structure: Triclinic. Cleavage: Perfect in two directions intersecting near 90 degrees.

Hardness: 6-6
Luster: Vitreous to pearly on cleavage planes

Identified July 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in plutonic igneous environments, primarily pegmatites and hydrothermal veins, as molten magma cools slowly deep within the Earth's crust allowing large potassium feldspar crystals to grow.

Uses & applications

Used extensively as an ornamental gemstone, for lapidary carving, cabochons for jewelry, and as a popular specimen for mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Named after the Amazon River, though no deposits are actually found there. Its distinctive sea-green to turquoise color was long attributed to copper, but studies revealed it is actually caused by trace amounts of lead and water trapped within the feldspar structure.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its distinct blue-green color combined with characteristic feldspar cleavage planes displaying a shimmering grid or pearly sheen. Commonly found in Colorado, Virginia, Madagascar, Russia, and Brazil.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

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