Amazonite
Amazonite is a silicate mineral recognized among collectors for its crystal form and distribution, with notable Chinese occurrences.
About Amazoniteextended article
Variety of Feldspar. See parent species for full mineralogical data.
Full mineralogical data
Amazonite is a named variety, not a separate species. For complete data on chemistry, crystal system, hardness, optics, paragenesis, treatments, and inclusions — refer to the parent species:
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About Amazonite
Amazonite is classified as a silicate mineral in the alkali feldspar group (microcline variety) and has the chemical formula K(AlSi3O8). It crystallizes in the triclinic system and holds a steady position among silicate species.
Identification & care
Crystals commonly develop as blocky prismatic crystals; twinned (grid-like perthite texture); massive, cleavable. Its color is typically blue-green to green, turquoise-blue and often with white perthitic streaks. The luster is vitreous, the streak is white, and specimens range from opaque to translucent. The cleavage is perfect on {001} and {010} at ~90° (feldspar cleavage). The fracture is uneven, which aids identification.
Collector context
Collector notes
Amazonite holds a steady place in systematic mineral collections. Documented Chinese occurrences are recorded at Xianghualing Sn-polymetallic ore field, among others.