Gemstone profile and identification guide
Amazonite
Amazonite is a green to blue-green variety of microcline feldspar.
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Overview
Amazonite is a green to blue-green variety of microcline feldspar.
Did you know? The colour is associated with trace lead and water in the feldspar structure.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Amazonite
Scientific classification: Silicate (Feldspar: Microcline)
Hardness: 6.25 Mohs
Transparency: translucent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Triclinic
Primary colour: Blue Green
Secondary colour: Green
Colour family: Greens
Microcline feldspar properties with characteristic blue-green colour and cross-hatched feldspar structure are key clues.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Values are reported as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 6.25 Mohs
Chemical composition: Potassium aluminum silicate (KAlSi3O8)
Crystal system: Triclinic
Common locations: Russia, Brazil, Madagascar, Ethiopia, United States (Colorado and Virginia)
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Blue-green to turquoise-green microcline feldspar, usually opaque to translucent.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Microcline (amazonite variety)
Mineral group: Feldspar group
Chemical formula: Potassium aluminum silicate (KAlSi3O8)
Mohs hardness: 6.25
Crystal system: Triclinic
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: translucent
Streak: White
Cleavage: Perfect in two directions
Fracture: Uneven
Specific gravity: 2.56-2.58
Refractive index: 1.522-1.530
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Blue-green to turquoise-green
Common inclusions: Perthitic textures, feldspar twinning, quartz intergrowths
Geological environment: Granitic pegmatites
Principal mining regions: Russia, Brazil, Madagascar, Ethiopia, United States (Colorado and Virginia)
Important commercial sources: Commercial amazonite is supplied mainly from Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia, with notable U.S. pegmatite material
Historical significance: Used as ornamental stone in ancient and modern decorative arts.
Common treatments: Stabilization and waxing can occur in porous material.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Dyed feldspar, dyed quartz, and glass imitations exist.
Common look-alikes: Turquoise, chrysocolla, dyed chalcedony
Jewellery uses: Amazonite is used chiefly for Cabochons, beads, and carvings emphasizing blue-green body colour.. In the trade it is commonly fashioned as faceted stones, calibrated cuts, and higher-clarity collector pieces, with Mohs hardness 6.25 guiding suitable jewellery applications.
Care recommendations: Moderate hardness with cleavage means care in wear; avoid impact and sudden temperature changes.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Amazonite.
Formation
Crystallizes in granitic pegmatites and related hydrothermal feldspar-bearing environments.
Origin
Commercial amazonite is supplied mainly from Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia, with notable U.S. pegmatite material
Uses
Best for: Amazonite is used chiefly for Cabochons, beads, and carvings emphasizing blue-green body colour.. In the trade it is commonly fashioned as faceted stones, calibrated cuts, and higher-clarity collector pieces, with Mohs hardness 6.25 guiding suitable jewellery applications.
Ideal uses: Cabochons, beads, and carvings emphasizing blue-green body colour.
Care
Moderate hardness with cleavage means care in wear; avoid impact and sudden temperature changes.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Amazonite FAQ
How can I identify Amazonite?
Compare hardness (6.25 Mohs), crystal system (Triclinic), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Amazonite appear in?
Blue-green to turquoise-green microcline feldspar, usually opaque to translucent.
Where is Amazonite commonly used?
Cabochons, beads, and carvings emphasizing blue-green body colour.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.