mineral

Amazonite

Microcline (KAlSi3O8, a variety of Potassium Feldspar)

Hardness: 6.0-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Greenish-blue to turquoise with white streaking; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions; Specific Gravity: 2.56-2.58.

Hardness: 6
Color: Greenish-blue to turquoise with white streaking
Luster: Vitreous

Identified July 1, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Amazonite is a variety of microcline feldspar that forms in plutonic igneous rocks, specifically granitic pegmatites. Its blue-green color is caused by trace amounts of lead and water within the feldspar structure. Found in Precambrian to more recent geological formations.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone for jewelry, beads, cabochons, and decorative carvings. It is a popular mineral for crystal collectors and is sometimes used in feng shui practices.

Geological facts

Named after the Amazon River, though it was not historically found there. For a long time, the cause of its color was a mystery; researchers once thought it was copper, but it is now known to be lead impurities.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinctive blue-green color and the presence of white, streaky exsolution lamellae (perthitic texture). Commonly found in Russia (Ilmen Mountains), Brazil, Madagascar, and the USA (Colorado).

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Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

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Mineral

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Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

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