By Steven Marquez
Notes: This specimen is a variety of microcline feldspar. Many jewelers love this mineral for making cabochons because the brilliant color of. The blue color is thought to be caused by traces of lead and water. This gemstone is called the “Stone of Hope” because it inspires confidence and hope. The name “Amazonite” comes from the Amazon River in South America. Amazonite can be found at the Lake George area along with smoky quartz. The occurrence of amazonite is very limited.
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| This amazonite crystal group was found near Lake George, Colorado. A S. Veatch specimen. Photo by Steven Marquez. |
FACTS ON FILE:
Chemical formula: KAlSi3O8
Composition: potassium aluminum silicate
Color: bluish green or verdigris green
Crystals: triclinic
Cleavage: good, two directions at 90 degrees
Fracture: uneven
Luster: vitreous
Streak: white
Hardness: 6
Transparency: none
Specific gravity: 2.56-2.57
An Amazonite Haiku:
Microcline feldspar.
Bluish or verdigris green.
The perfect jewelry
About the author:
Steven Marquez is an Earth Science Scholar with the Pikes Peak Pebble Pups and is a member of the Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society. He is a frequent contributor to magazines and newspapers. He is in the 8th grade and lives in Colorado Springs.
Bibliography
Chesterman, Charles W. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals. New York : Alfred A. Knopf, 1990.
Hall, Cathy. Smithsonian Handbooks: Gemstones. New York : Dorling-Kindersley, 2002.
