Amazonite
Image: <a rel="nofollow" class="external text" href="https://www.flickr.com/people/40366876@N03">►►haley</a> from New York City, United States (CC BY 2.0)
Mineral NameAmazonite
Chemical FormulaKAlSi3O8
Mohs Hardness6.5
Crystal Systemtriclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect in two directions, nearly at 90 degrees
Fractureuneven to conchoidal
Specific Gravity2.57
Colorsblue-green, green, turquoise
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityColorado (USA), Brazil, Russia, Madagascar
Mineral GroupSilicates (Feldspar group)
Usesjewelry, ornamental, collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, albite, smoky quartz
Rarityuncommon
Description
Amazonite is a blue-green variety of microcline feldspar. The image displays both a polished, rounded specimen and a rough, angular piece, both exhibiting its characteristic vibrant blue-green hue.
Geological Context
Amazonite typically forms in granitic pegmatites, often associated with other feldspars, quartz, and mica. Its distinctive color is believed to be due to small amounts of lead within the crystal structure.
