mineral
Amazonite
K(AlSi3O8) - Potassium aluminum silicate
Hardness: 6-6.5; Color: turquoise green to bluish green; Luster: vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: triclinic; Cleavage: perfect in two directions; Specific gravity: 2.56-2.58.
- Hardness
- 6-6
- Color
- turquoise green to bluish green
- Luster
- vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-6.5; Color: turquoise green to bluish green; Luster: vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: triclinic; Cleavage: perfect in two directions; Specific gravity: 2.56-2.58.
Formation & geological history
Formed in deep-seated igneous rocks like granites and pegmatites through the slow cooling of magma. Its unique color is caused by trace amounts of lead and water within the feldspar structure.
Uses & applications
Used primarily as a gemstone for jewelry, ornamental carvings, and as a popular collector's specimen due to its vibrant color.
Geological facts
Named after the Amazon River in Brazil, though it is not actually found there. It is the green variety of microcline feldspar. Large crystals can reach several feet in length in pegmatite deposits.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinctive sea-green to turquoise color and characteristic white streaks or 'veins' (perthitic texture). Often found in Colorado (USA), Madagascar, Russia, and Brazil.
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