mineral

Amazonite

Microcline (Potassium Feldspar)

Hardness: 6 on the Mohs scale. Color: Bright turquoise-green to blue-green, often with white streaks or grid-like albite twinning. Luster: Vitreous to pearly on cleavage planes. Crystal Structure: Triclinic. Cleavage: Perfect in two directions at nearly right angles. Specific Gravity: 2.56 - 2.58.

Hardness: 6 on the Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous to pearly on cleavage planes

Identified July 29, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms primarily in granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins as magma cools slowly deep within the Earth's crust, allowing large crystals to grow.

Uses & applications

Used primarily for ornamental objects, carvings, and polished gemstone jewelry such as cabochons, beads, and pendants.

Geological facts

Despite its name, little to no amazonite is mined in the Amazon River basin; the name comes from the Amazon River where green stones were historically confused with it. The distinct blue-green color was long attributed to copper, but modern studies show it is caused by trace amounts of lead and water interacting with the crystal lattice.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its distinct vibrant green-to-blue coloration combined with white, mottled, or characteristic grid-like (tartan) striations known as twinning. Commonly sourced from Colorado (USA), Brazil, Russia, Madagascar, and Namibia.