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In the earth's crust, feldspars are more abundant than all other minerals combined. The majority of the common feldspars fall into two groups, the alkali feldspars (KAlSi3O8 through NaAlSi3O8 series), and the plagioclase feldspars (NaAlSi3O8 through CaAl2Si2O8 series). Amazonite (KAlSi3O8) is the rare green variety of microcline, which is the low temperature pure potassium end member of the alkali feldspar group.
At high temperatures, the alkali feldspars form a continuous
solid solution series, however at medium to low crystalization
temperatures the sodium feldspar (albite) and potassium feldspar
(amazonite, microcline or orthoclase) separate forming lattice type exsolution
intergrowths, usually as thin layers of albite roughly parallel to
{100} in a host crystal of potassium feldspar. This is known
as perthitic texture. In amazonite, this perthitic texture is usually
visible to the eye as thin white parallel laths of albite in the green
amazonite host.
Microcline is the common
potasium feldspar variety in pegmatites. In rare cases, the green variety
amazonite occurs. Its green color is thought to be due to trace
impurities of lead and OH-1.
Quartz and microcline can
crystalize simultaneously in pegmatites in an
interpenetrating pattern known as graphic granite. This pattern
is very striking when present in the green microcline variety amazonite. Amazonite commonly occurs in association with albite feldspar, biotite mica, and smoky quartz.
In the field
amazonite is most easily recognized by its color, cleavage, and occurance.
Amazonite was named for the Amazon river. Although it does occur in Brazil,
amazonite has not been found in the vicinity of this great river.
The name microcline comes from two Greek words meaning little
and inclined, referring to the cleavage angle's slight inclination from
ninety degrees. Feldspar is derived from the German word feld
which means field.
Amazonite is used as an ornamental lapidary material.
The astrological sign of amazonite is virgo.
Amazonite is the birthstone for the month of December.
Amazonite is said to calm one's emotions
& soothe nerves, and to enhance creativity and the ability
to express oneself. The deeper the color of the amazonite, the more
intense the effect is said to be.
Amazonite is said to aleviate muscle
spasms and to help normalize calcium levels in the body, and
to relieve stress and exhaustion.
Being a variety of microcline feldspar, amazonite is said to also
possess all the properties of microcline as well: Microcline is said
to be usefull in the treatment of eye disorders and fevers, and to
help control water retention and to help with
ease of childbirth. It is said to stimulate clarity of thought, to
enhance understanding, and to improve one's ability to
cooperate with others.
For more in-depth metaphysical information, see our Metaphysical Books section.