mineral

Amazonite

Microcline (KAlSi3O8)

Hardness: 6-6.5 Mohs scale; Color: Blue-green to turquoise; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions; Specific gravity: 2.56-2.58

Hardness: 6-6
Color: Blue-green to turquoise
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified July 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-6.5 Mohs scale; Color: Blue-green to turquoise; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions; Specific gravity: 2.56-2.58

Formation & geological history

Found in pegmatites, granites, and hydrothermal veins. It forms from cooling magma enriched with lead, which gives it its distinct turquoise-green color.

Uses & applications

Mainly used as a gemstone for jewelry, ornamental carvings, and by crystal collectors for aesthetic and metaphysical purposes.

Geological facts

Named after the Amazon River, although ironically it is not actually found there. The green color was once thought to be from copper, but it is now known to be caused by lead and water trapped in the feldspar.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct grid-like texture (perthitic structure) and blue-green color. Common locations include Russia, Madagascar, Brazil, and the Pikes Peak area of Colorado, USA.