Amazonite is a gem variety of microcline feldspar and is usually polished as a cabochon. It displays a schiller of light which is caused by inclusions. Schiller is a lustrous reflection from planes in a mineral grain and is similar to what is more commonly known as iridescence. The schiller is caused by a feature of the stone’s crystal structure. Orthoclase feldspar and albite are present in close association, arranged in layers. This causes an interference effect of light.

Amazonite is found in the United States, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Russia, Australia, Namibia. Amazonite is usually light green to blue-green, mottled and sometimes contains light striations.

A relatively soft stone, Amazonite ranges from 5-6 on the Mohs scale.

Amazonite varies from bright verdigris green to a bluish green.

Class: tektosilicate
Specific gravity: 2.56-2.57
Luster: vitreous
Transparency: opaque to translucent
Fracture: conchoidal