The Gemstone Amazonite
Amazonite is a translucent to opaque feldspar gemstone with a pretty green color. It is the greenish variety of the mineral Microcline. Amazonite is named after the Amazon River of South America. There are no Amazonite deposits that exist in the Amazon region, so presumably this stone is named to its resemblance in color to the green of the tropical rainforest.
Color
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Blue, Green, Purple, Gray, Multicolored
Chemical Formula
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KAlSi
3O
8
Mineral Class
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Microcline
Additional Properties
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Refractive Index
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1.52 - 1.53 |
Double Refraction
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-.008 |
Transparency
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Translucent to opaque |
SG
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2.56 - 2.58 |
Luster
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Vitreous |
| Cleavage ?
2,1 - basal ; 2,1 - prismatic ; 3,1 - pinacoidal |
All About
Amazonite often has white lines or alternating streaks mixed in, and can
have uneven color distribution. A deep forest-green color is most
preferred, but Amazonite gemstones can also be light green and
bluish-green. Grayish-green and very faint green stones also exist, but
are not commonly used as gemstones. Care should be handled with
Amazonite as it is sensitive to pressure and can easily crack or chip.
Uses
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Amazonite is an inexpensive gemstone is most often used in beads and polished into
cabochons and carvings.
Treatments & Enhancements
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Amazonite gemstones are not treated or enhanced.
Amazonite Sources
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Amazonite is found worldwide, but large deposits exist in Russia, Myanmar (Burma), India, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Brazil, and the United States (Colorado and Virginia).
Similar Gemstones
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Aventurine - Microcline lacks the glitter effect usually present on Aventurine.
Jade - Can be difficult to distinguish, although Jade usually lacks admixed white streaks and is more glossy.
Amazonite in the Rough Photos
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