mineral
Amazonite
Microcline (variety Amazonite), K(AlSi3O8)
Hardness: 6-6.5; Color: turquoise, blue-green, or green, often with white streaks; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions.
- Hardness
- 6-6
- Color
- turquoise, blue-green, or green, often with white streaks
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-6.5; Color: turquoise, blue-green, or green, often with white streaks; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions.
Formation & geological history
Forms primarily in granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. Its distinct green color is caused by trace amounts of lead and water within its chemical structure.
Uses & applications
Widely used for ornamental carvings, beads, and cabochons for jewelry. It is also a popular specimen for mineral collectors.
Geological facts
Named after the Amazon River, though it is not actually found there. Most high-quality specimens come from Colorado, USA, or Madagascar. It is also known as the 'Stone of Courage' in metaphysical circles.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive blue-green color and 'perthitic' texture (white streaks or exsolution lamellae). Although it is found in the Appalachian region, this tumbled specimen was likely sourced commercially as it is not a common surface find in Maryland.
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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
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock