Amazonite
Microcline var. Amazonite · Semi-Precious Gemstone / Mineral Specimen
Crystal System
Triclinic; typically occurs in massive or granular form, though it can form prismatic crystals.
Mineral Group
Silicates; Tectosilicate (Feldspar group, Alkali Feldspar subgroup)
Chemical Formula
K(AlSi3O8)
Formation Process
Igneous/Magmatic; primarily forms in granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins under slow cooling conditions.
About This Crystal
A translucent to opaque tumbled stone with a characteristic pale blue-green to aqua-green color. It exhibits a vitreous to waxy luster and often shows white streaking or a 'perthitic' texture due to intergrowths of albite.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Blue-green/Turquoise; Streak: White; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions at nearly 90 degrees; Fracture: Uneven to conchoidal; Specific Gravity: 2.56-2.58; Fluorescence: Weak olive-green under UV.
Optical Properties
Refractive Index: 1.522-1.530; Birefringence: 0.008; Optically Biaxial (-); typically lack pleochroism but can show a shimmering schiller effect.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Brazil (Minas Gerais), Russia (Ilmen Mountains), USA (Colorado), and Madagascar.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 6.0-6.5; Toughness: Poor to fair due to perfect cleavage; brittle stability; sensitive to pressure and high heat.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth; avoid ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaning. Store separately from harder gemstones like quartz or topaz to prevent scratching.
Rarity & Value
Relatively common; value is determined by the intensity of the blue-green color and the absence of distracting white streaks. Generally affordable; treatments are rare but occasionally dyed.
Special Characteristics
Displays a grid-like 'schiller' or perthitic texture caused by the exsolution of different feldspar minerals; color is attributed to trace amounts of lead (Pb) and water.
Lore & History
Historically used in Ancient Egypt, including jewelry found in King Tutankhamun's tomb. Known as the 'Stone of Hope,' it is traditionally associated with the Heart and Throat chakras and believed to promote calm and clear communication.