mineral
Amazonite
Amazonite (Microcline Feldspar) - KAlSi3O8
Hardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: teal, bluish-green, or green with white streaks; Luster: Vitreous to Pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions.
- Hardness
- 6-6
- Color
- teal, bluish-green, or green with white streaks
- Luster
- Vitreous to Pearly
Identified More mineral →
Explore Amazonite in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: teal, bluish-green, or green with white streaks; Luster: Vitreous to Pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions.
Formation & geological history
Forms primarily in granitic pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and occasionally in metamorphic rocks. The green color is attributed to the presence of small amounts of lead and water within the feldspar structure.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as a gemstone for jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative carvings, and as a popular specimen for mineral collectors.
Geological facts
Named after the Amazon River, though it is not actually found there. It is sometimes called 'Amazon Stone.' It was used by ancient Egyptians for jewelry and was found in King Tutankhamun's tomb.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinct blue-green color and 'Schiller' effect (a subtle white streaking or shimmering caused by perthitic texture). Notable locations include Colorado (USA), Brazil, Russia, and Madagascar.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock