mineral

Blue-green mineral specimen, likely amazonite

Amazonite, a green variety of microcline feldspar (KAlSi₃O₈)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pale turquoise-green, opaque, with a glassy to pearly luster and blocky feldspar cleavage; Mohs hardness 6–6.5. The rough, small specimen is consistent with amazonite, though color alone cannot exclude turquoise or chrysocolla.

Identified August 15, 2026More mineral →

Explore Blue-green mineral specimen, likely amazonite in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Amazonite forms in potassium-rich granitic pegmatites through slow cooling and late-stage hydrothermal processes, commonly in Precambrian to younger granitic rocks. Major sources include Colorado, Brazil, Madagascar, Russia, and Namibia.

Uses & applications

Used as a decorative and lapidary stone in cabochons, beads, carvings, and tumbled pieces; it has little industrial value in small specimens.

Geological facts

Its blue-green color is caused by trace lead and water-related defects in the feldspar structure, not by copper as in turquoise.

Field identification & locations

Identify amazonite by its feldspar cleavage, relatively hard surface, and white grid-like streaking or perthitic pattern; turquoise is typically waxier and softer (Mohs 5–6). A hardness, streak, or mineral-chemistry test is needed for certainty.