Amazonite identification and geology

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• Previous: Alunite — Potassium aluminum sulfate hydroxide formed by sulfuric acid alteration of feldspars. Indicator of epithermal ore systems.
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• Turquoise
• Chrysoprase

Sources, scope & corrections

These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.

Editorial owner

GeoMiner

Last updated

2026-03-30T14:37:40.060261+00:00

Review status

Published; not independently peer-reviewed

• IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
• Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.

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Common questions

What is Amazonite?

Green to blue-green variety of microcline feldspar. Color caused by small amounts of lead and water in the crystal structure.

How can you identify Amazonite?

Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Green, blue-green, turquoise; lustre: Vitreous; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 6-6.5; cleavage: Perfect in two directions; crystal system: Triclinic; transparency: Translucent to opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.

How does Amazonite form?

Forms in granitic pegmatites where lead substitutes for potassium in the microcline structure.

Where is Amazonite commonly found?

Colorado USA , Russia, Madagascar, Brazil; found in granitic pegmatites.

What is Amazonite commonly confused with?

Amazonite may be confused with Turquoise, Jade, Chrysoprase. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.