mineral
Amazonite
Microcline (KAlSi3O8) with trace lead (Pb)
Hardness: 6-6.5 Mohs; Color: green to bluish-green; Luster: vitreous to pearly; Crystal Structure: triclinic; Cleavage: perfect in two directions
- Hardness
- 6-6
- Color
- green to bluish-green
- Luster
- vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-6.5 Mohs; Color: green to bluish-green; Luster: vitreous to pearly; Crystal Structure: triclinic; Cleavage: perfect in two directions
Formation & geological history
Forms primarily in granitic pegmatites and metamorphic rocks through hydrothermal processes, often found with smoky quartz or mica.
Uses & applications
Mainly used as a semi-precious gemstone for jewelry, cabochons, beads, and metaphysical specimens.
Geological facts
Named after the Amazon River, though it was later discovered not to occur there naturally; its green color is likely due to lead and water molecules in the potassium feldspar lattice.
Field identification & locations
Check for its characteristic turquoise color and parallel white streaks (perthitic texture). Common locations include Russia, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Colorado, USA.
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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