mineral
Amazonite
Microcline feldspar (KAlSi3O8)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, bright turquoise-green to blue-green color, vitreous luster, and good cleavage at nearly right angles.
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Physical properties
Hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale, bright turquoise-green to blue-green color, vitreous luster, and good cleavage at nearly right angles.
Formation & geological history
Forms in pegmatites and granitic rocks through slow cooling of magma rich in potassium and water, often with trace lead giving its color.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as a gemstone in jewelry, for decorative carvings, and as a popular specimen for mineral collectors.
Geological facts
Despite its name, no amazonite is found in the Amazon River basin; the green color is stabilized by trace amounts of lead and water.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive blue-green color and grid-like twinning patterns; found globally in the USA, Russia, Brazil, and Madagascar.
