mineral

Amazonite

Potassium Aluminum Silicate (KAlSi3O8)

Hardness: 6-6.5 Mohs scale; Color: pale green/blue-green; Luster: vitreous; Crystal structure: triclinic; Cleavage: perfect; Specific gravity: 2.56-2.58

Hardness: 6-6
Color: pale green/blue-green
Luster: vitreous

Identified May 23, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6-6.5 Mohs scale; Color: pale green/blue-green; Luster: vitreous; Crystal structure: triclinic; Cleavage: perfect; Specific gravity: 2.56-2.58

Formation & geological history

Found primarily in granitic rocks and pegmatites. It forms through slow cooling in deep magmatic environments often accompanied by high concentrations of water and lead.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as a gemstone for jewelry, cabochons, and decorative carvings, as well as a popular specimen for mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Named after the Amazon River, although no deposits have actually been found there; its color was once thought to be caused by copper, but is now known to be from trace amounts of lead and water.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct teal or turquoise color and pearly to vitreous luster. Commonly found in Brazil, Russia, and Colorado (USA). Check for perthitic streaks (white lines) within the blue-green matrix.