
mineral
Amazonite
Microcline feldspar (KAlSi3O8)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6 on the Mohs scale. Color: Bright turquoise-green to blue-green with white striations. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Triclinic. Cleavage: Good in two directions at near right angles. Specific gravity: 2.56-2.58.
- Hardness
- 6 on the Mohs scale
- Color
- Bright turquoise-green to blue-green with white striations
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6 on the Mohs scale. Color: Bright turquoise-green to blue-green with white striations. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Triclinic. Cleavage: Good in two directions at near right angles. Specific gravity: 2.56-2.58.
Formation & geological history
Forms primarily in granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins, where slow cooling of magma allows large crystals to grow with trapped lead and water molecules giving it the characteristic color.
Uses & applications
Used mainly as a gemstone in jewelry, for ornamental carvings, and by mineral collectors.
Geological facts
Amazonite was named after the Amazon River, though no deposits are actually known to occur in the Amazon basin; similar green stones found there were likely confused with it.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its distinctive bright turquoise-green color and characteristic grid-like white albite striations (tartan twinning). Commonly found in the USA (Colorado), Russia, Brazil, and Madagascar.
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