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.

Chemical Formula	KAlSi₃O₈
Color	Blue, Green, Purple, Gray, Multicolored
Hardness	6 - 6.5
Crystal System	Triclinic
Refractive Index	1.52 - 1.53
SG	2.56 - 2.58
Transparency	Translucent to opaque
Double Refraction	-.008
Luster	Vitreous
Cleavage	2,1 - basal ; 2,1 - prismatic ; 3,1 - pinacoidal
Mineral Class	Microcline

Amazonite AUCTIONS

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

Amazonite is an inexpensive gemstone is most often used in beads and polished into cabochons and carvings.

OTHER NAMES

Amazon Stone
Amazonstone

Amazonite TREATMENTS AND ENHANCEMENTS

Amazonite gemstones are not treated or enhanced.

Amazonite SOURCES

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

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.