mineral
Amazonite
Microcline (KAlSi3O8)
Hardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: pale green to turquoise blue; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions.
- Hardness
- 6-6
- Color
- pale green to turquoise blue
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: pale green to turquoise blue; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions.
Formation & geological history
Formed in plutonic igneous rocks (pegmatites), granite, and syenite. The characteristic color is caused by the presence of lead and water within the feldspar structure.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry, beads, cabochons, and as a popular mineral specimen for collectors.
Geological facts
Also known as Amazonstone, though it is not actually found in the Amazon River. It is a variety of microcline feldspar.
Field identification & locations
Look for its distinct blue-green color and grid-like 'perthitic' white streaks. Found in the USA (Colorado), Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia.
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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