16.10.01: Amazonite
- Page ID
- 4288
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| Amazonite | |
|---|---|
| Chemical composition | Microcline feldspar |
| Crystal system | Triclinic |
| Habit | Massive |
| Hardness | 6-6.5 |
| Optic nature | Biaxial - |
| Refractive index | 1.522-1.530 |
| Birefringence | 0.008-0.010 |
| Dispersion | Low |
| Specific gravity | 2.56 |
| Lustre | Vitreous |
Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): Microcline (aka Amazonite) with albite
Amazonite is a tradename for microcline (K-feldspar) and has a green to blue-green color.
Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): Amazonite Cabochons
Microcline has the same chemical composition (KAlSi3O8) as orthoclase, but it grows as triclinic crystals opposed to the monoclinic orthoclase.
Sources
- Gems Their Sources, Descriptions and Identification 4th Edition (1990) - Robert Webster (6th ed.)
- Gemstones of the world, 3rd rev and exp edition (2006) - Walter Schuman ISBN 1402740166