Difference between revisions of "Amazonite"

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{{Amazonite}}
 
{{Amazonite}}
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[[image:Amazonite_xls.jpg|left|thumb|400px|Microcline (aka Amazonite) with albite]]
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Amazonite is a tradename for [[microcline]] ([[feldspar|K-feldspar]]) and has a green to blue green colour.<br />
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[[image:Amazonite_cabs.jpg|left|frame|Amazonite Cabochons]]
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Microcline has the same chemical composition (KAlSi<sub>3</sub>O<sub>8</sub>) as [[orthoclase]], but it grows as triclinic crystals opposed to the monoclinic orthoclase.
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==Sources==
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* [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0750658568?ie=UTF8&tag=gemsandwhywelove&link_code=as3&camp=211189&creative=373489&creativeASIN=0750658568 Gems Their Sources, Descriptions and Identification'' 4th Edition (1990) - Robert Webster (6th ed.)]
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* ''Gemstones of the world, 3rd rev and exp edition'' (2006) - Walter Schuman ISBN 1402740166

Latest revision as of 03:32, 27 September 2010

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
Microcline (aka Amazonite) with albite


Amazonite is a tradename for microcline (K-feldspar) and has a green to blue green colour.

Amazonite Cabochons


Microcline has the same chemical composition (KAlSi3O8) as orthoclase, but it grows as triclinic crystals opposed to the monoclinic orthoclase.


Sources