Amazonite
Amazonite is a silicate mineral recognized among collectors for its crystal form and distribution, with notable Chinese occurrences.
About Amazoniteextended article
Amazonite is the green to blue-green gem variety of microcline, a potassium feldspar. Its distinctive colour is linked to traces of lead together with structural water and is unusual among feldspars; the name comes from the Amazon River, although the original material is thought not to have come from there.
Properties
Microcline is triclinic, hard (6–6.5) and shows two cleavages meeting at close to 90 degrees. Amazonite is typically translucent to opaque and frequently shows a white grid-like (gridiron) pattern from intergrown albite, which can give a pleasing sheen when polished.
Occurrence
Fine amazonite comes from the granite pegmatites of the Pikes Peak region in Colorado — often perched with smoky quartz — as well as from Russia, Madagascar, Brazil and Ethiopia. It belongs to the feldspar group.
About Amazonite
Amazonite is classified as a silicate mineral in the alkali feldspar group (microcline variety) and has the chemical formula K(AlSi3O8). It crystallizes in the triclinic system and holds a steady position among silicate species.
Identification & care
Crystals commonly develop as blocky prismatic crystals; twinned (grid-like perthite texture); massive, cleavable. Its color is typically blue-green to green, turquoise-blue and often with white perthitic streaks. The luster is vitreous, the streak is white, and specimens range from opaque to translucent. The cleavage is perfect on {001} and {010} at ~90° (feldspar cleavage). The fracture is uneven, which aids identification.
Collector context
Collector notes
Amazonite holds a steady place in systematic mineral collections. Documented Chinese occurrences are recorded at Xianghualing Sn-polymetallic ore field, among others.
Frequently asked questions
What is Amazonite?
Amazonite is a silicate mineral recognized among collectors for its crystal form and distribution, with notable Chinese occurrences.
What is the chemical formula of Amazonite?
The chemical formula of Amazonite is KAlSi3O8.
What crystal system does Amazonite belong to?
Amazonite crystallises in the Triclinic crystal system.
Where is Amazonite found?
Notable localities for Amazonite include Pikes Peak.
Is Amazonite rare?
As a collector mineral, Amazonite is generally considered uncommon.
References & databases
Mindat.org is the world’s largest open mineralogy database. Our descriptions are written independently and fact-checked.