mineral
Amazonite
K(AlSi3O8)
Hardness: 6-6.5 (Mohs scale), Color: Green, blue-green, or turquoise-green, Luster: Vitreous to pearly, Crystal Structure: Triclinic, Cleavage: Perfect, Specific Gravity: 2.56-2.58
- Hardness
- 6-6
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-6.5 (Mohs scale), Color: Green, blue-green, or turquoise-green, Luster: Vitreous to pearly, Crystal Structure: Triclinic, Cleavage: Perfect, Specific Gravity: 2.56-2.58
Formation & geological history
Formed in plutonic rocks, primarily granitic pegmatites. It often occurs alongside smoky quartz and feldspar. The color is attributed to trace amounts of lead and water within the feldspar structure.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a gemstone for jewelry (cabochons and beads) and as a lapidary material for carvings and ornamental objects.
Geological facts
Named after the Amazon River, although it is not actually found there. It is sometimes called 'Amazon Stone.' It is the official state mineral of Colorado.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinctive blue-green color and grid-like white mineral streaks (perthitic texture). Common locations include the Pikes Peak area in Colorado, USA, as well as Brazil, Russia, and Madagascar.
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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