Rock Identifier
Tumbled Moonstone and Amazonite Chips (Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8) and Microcline (KAlSi3O8) of the Feldspar Group) — mineral
mineral

Tumbled Moonstone and Amazonite Chips

Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8) and Microcline (KAlSi3O8) of the Feldspar Group

Hardness: 6.0-6.5 on Mohs scale. Colors: Translucent white to milky (Moonstone) and pale blue-green (Amazonite). Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Monoclinic or Triclinic. Cleavage: Perfect in two directions.

Hardness
6
Luster
Vitreous to pearly
Identified More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App StoreGoogle Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 6.0-6.5 on Mohs scale. Colors: Translucent white to milky (Moonstone) and pale blue-green (Amazonite). Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Monoclinic or Triclinic. Cleavage: Perfect in two directions.

Formation & geological history

Formed in igneous and metamorphic rocks, specifically pegmatites. The blue-green color of Amazonite is caused by traces of lead, while Moonstone's sheen (adularescence) is caused by light scattering between layers of orthoclase and albite. Found in formations millions of years old.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in jewelry (cabochons, beads), decorative lapidary work, and crystal collecting. Historically used for amulets.

Geological facts

Moonstone is the state gem of Florida to commemorate the moon landings. Amazonite is often called 'Amazon Stone' though it is rarely found near the Amazon River; it was named for its resemblance to the green stones used by indigenous tribes in the region.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by checking for feldspar cleavage planes and the specific visual effects: 'adularescence' (shifting blue/white light) in moonstone and the 'plaid' shimmer in amazonite. Commonly found in India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Colorado, USA.

More like this

Other mineral specimens

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions) (Arenite (SiO2 based)) — sedimentary

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary
Epidote (Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)) — metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic
Nephrite Jade (Nephrite) — Mineral/Rock

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock
Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble) (Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)) — Metamorphic Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock
Green Apatite on Albite (Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]) — mineral

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral
Epidote (Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)) — mineral

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral