mineral

Amazonite

Microcline (KAlSi3O8 with lead impurities)

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

Hardness: 6-6
Color: Green to bluish-green
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified May 25, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Amazonite is a green variety of microcline feldspar found in plutonic igneous rocks (granites) and pegmatites. It forms through slow cooling of magma under high pressure.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone for jewelry, ornamental carvings, and as a popular specimen for mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Named after the Amazon River, though it is not actually found there. The green color is believed to be caused by small amounts of lead and water within the feldspar.

Field identification & locations

Identifiable by its distinct mint or sea-foam green color and white plagioclase streaks. Found in the USA (Colorado), Russia, Brazil, and Madagascar. Look for the 'perthitic texture' (white streaks) to confirm identity.