On this page
UnderstandWhat it is, what people ask, how far this page goes
Natural inorganic gem materials · Mineral / gemstone variety · Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Amazonite
Also known asAmazon stone
The green to blue-green variety of potassium feldspars such as Microcline. Its GB/T basic name is "amazonite"; waxing and oiling are common and must be disclosed. This page compares how the major standards and institutions name it, what must be disclosed when selling it, whether it can be worn every day, how it is treated and identified, and which source each conclusion comes from.
Price, rarity and origin are outside the scope of this wiki.
What this page can answer
This page covers
- How Amazonite forms and what gives its colourFormation setting, process and timescale; where its colour and optical effects come from, each finding graded and sourced
- How to identify AmazoniteHow far lab testing can go and whether a synthetic exists
- Treatments and enhancements of Amazonite4 registered treatments: status, stability, how common they are and identification leads
- Caring for and wearing AmazoniteCleaning, heat, chemicals and light, as the cited sources give them
- Hardness, density and refractive index of AmazoniteEach value with its source and check date
- Amazonite in English, Chinese and Japanese; national standard namesNames in four languages, the GB/T standard name and the suggested listing name, names in national standards; and: Which of GIA, FTC, CIBJO and Gem-A have a name for it on record, and do those agree?
- Listing and disclosing AmazoniteThe listing name to use; what must be disclosed before sale
- Standard clauses that define AmazoniteWhich clause defines it, each cross-checked
What we cannot conclude
- Whether one particular bead is natural, treated or synthetic — only a laboratory report can settle that.
- Geographic origin, unless an origin report accompanies the item.
- Price, rarity or investment value: this wiki covers naming and disclosure only.
Material research: formation, causes and history
What authoritative sources say about how this material forms, what causes its colour and optical effects, where its name comes from and how people have used it. Each statement carries an evidence grade and its sources; it describes the material in general, not any specific piece.
How it forms
Amazonite is the green to blue-green variety of microcline (KAlSi3O8), an alkali feldspar (potassium feldspar) whose (Si,Al) arrangement is fully ordered in the low form and which is dimorphous with orthoclase. Microcline is common in plutonic felsic rocks (granites, granite pegmatites, syenites), in greenschist- and amphibolite-facies metamorphic rocks and in hydrothermal veins, and also occurs as a detrital component and authigenic overgrowth; it commonly shows banded perthitic intergrowths from albite exsolution. Amazonite's green/blue-green colour corresponds to the green and blue ends of microcline's colour range. Note: the authoritative source is a microcline mineralogical data sheet — its structure, chemistry and occurrence are reliable, but it does not use the name 'amazonite' nor explain the blue-green colour cause (commonly attributed to a Pb-related, water-assisted colour centre, not covered here).
Scope: Used to explain that amazonite is green to bluish-green microcline, and to describe the structure, chemistry and occurrence of microcline; does not include direct evidence for the cause of amazonite's colour.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Where it forms
These are felsic plutonic rocks: granite, granite pegmatite and syenite.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Rocks metamorphosed to greenschist or amphibolite facies.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Hydrothermal veins, plus detrital and authigenic occurrences in sedimentary rocks.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
How it forms, step by step
In plutonic felsic magmas or metamorphic/hydrothermal settings, K-Al-Si-rich melts or fluids crystallize microcline (KAlSi3O8).
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
In low microcline, (Si,Al) is completely ordered; crystals commonly twin on the Carlsbad, Baveno and Manebach laws.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
On cooling, the albite component exsolves to form banded perthitic intergrowths.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
In the coloured variety, microcline is green to blue-green, i.e. amazonite (colour cause not stated in this source).
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Link to appearance
Microcline's colour range includes white, pale cream-yellow, red, green and blue; amazonite takes the green to blue-green end; colourless in thin section.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Timescale
The data sheet gives no absolute age or duration for microcline/amazonite formation.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Related base materials
- Microcline (KAlSi3O8): variety-of | Amazonite is the green to blue-green variety of microcline
- Alkali feldspar (feldspar group): mineral-group | Microcline belongs to the alkali feldspars
Supporting findings
Microcline is common in plutonic felsic rocks (granites, granite pegmatites, syenites), greenschist- and amphibolite-facies metamorphic rocks and hydrothermal veins, and occurs as detrital grains and authigenic overgrowths.
Evidence grade BScope: Occurrence of microcline; amazonite-specific localities are not listed.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Microcline commonly exhibits banded perthitic intergrowths formed by albite exsolution.
Evidence grade BScope: Describes perthite forming by exsolution during microcline cooling.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Recorded localities
Authoritative sources list the localities below; the list is not exhaustive.
Asia
- Minh Tien, Luc Yen District, Yen Bai, VietnamG&G notes discovery in 1999 and declining output as the deposit lies under paddy fields
Sources Gems & Gemology Winter 2013
North America
- Virginia, United States
Sources Gems & Gemology Spring 2013
- MexicoFirst discovery in Mexico reported by G&G in 2007
Sources Gems & Gemology Summer 2007
South America
- BrazilTitle of a 1992 G&G Gem News entry
Sources Gems & Gemology Spring 1992
These are localities recorded by authoritative sources, not an origin finding for any individual piece. The CIBJO Gemstone Book (2022, §4.2.3) says a place of origin names where a gem was mined or harvested, is a matter of opinion, does not imply a level of quality, and that cutting, processing or exporting centres must not be used to imply origin. See how far testing can go on this page, the origin determination guide and the overview of recorded localities.
Causes of colour and optical effects
Microcline colours include white, pale cream-yellow, red, green and blue; amazonite's green/blue-green colour comes from this range.
Evidence grade BScope: Colour is enumerated but the colour-centre cause (e.g. Pb/water-related) is not explained.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Other research findings
Microcline, KAlSi3O8 in ideal formula, belongs to the alkali group of potassium feldspars; in low microcline the (Si,Al) arrangement is fully ordered, and it is dimorphous with orthoclase.
Evidence grade BScope: Species-level structural/chemical description; no gem-variety detail.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Amazonite is the green to blue-green variety of microcline; microcline's colour range includes green and blue.
Evidence grade BScope: The data sheet treats microcline generally; it does not single out the name amazonite.
Sources Handbook of Mineralogy
Limits of this research
- Research status: Formation, occurrence or other material-specific findings found in authoritative sources
- The source describes the microcline species, does not name 'amazonite', and gives no direct evidence for the blue-green colour centre (Pb/water-related).
- A single mineralogical data sheet (evidence level B); lacking gemological monographs and deposit data.
Methodology
- Origin determination and its limits
- Quality grading and value factors
- How gemmology became a technical discipline
Evidence grades
- A
- Standards bodies, government geological surveys, peer-reviewed research and museum records
- B
- Institutional educational material
- C
- Specialist databases or cautious readings
A statement is never graded above its strongest source.
This section is LumaLark's own factual restatement of public authoritative sources, credited item by item; it contains no verbatim excerpts, images or third-party logos.
DecideListing name, disclosure, care and treatments
- Suggested listing name
- Amazonite
GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1 “Amazonite” · CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 §7.2.1.8 “Amazonite”
Construction or treatment status
Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Treatments recorded for this material: Waxed, Filled / Fracture-filled (via parent material), Coated (via parent material), Diffusion-treated (via parent material), Irradiated (via parent material)
Related:Disclosure and cautions
This page cannot answer
Natural? · Origin · Price
A lab report settles these; this wiki covers naming and disclosure.
Related:What this page can answer
Answer at a glance
Amazonite is often subjected to waxing. Under GB/T 16552-2017, waxing (not listed separately in GB/T; Table 1 groups it with colourless oil or wax filling) counts as an optimization, so the plain gem name may be used (§5.4.2.1 a). Do not assume it is unenhanced.
Evidence
- CIBJO · Annex 8, row Amazonite
What this means for you
Before buying, check the recommended listing name "Amazonite" and any disclosed treatments on this page, and ask the seller for a grading report if in doubt.
Known uncertainty
- See “Disclosure and cautions” above
- Disclosure rules for the treatments above can change as authorities update their standards; re-check before relying on this page.
- Last reviewed
- 2026-09-01
Care and wear
Normal care for every gemstone (CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.1), in brief:
- Handle it gently.
- Store pieces apart when not worn, so they cannot scratch each other.
- Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
- Use ultrasonic cleaners only with caution.
The §6.1 wording and the full list of §6.2 special-care letters cited on this page are on the general gem care page.
Care
Amazonite — care (cleaning): Some stones are susceptible to damage from ultrasonic cleaning. Do not expose them to ultrasonic cleaning.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code j
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Amazonite, p.53; §6.2 j (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Amazonite — care (chemicals): Treatments with dye, oil, resin, wax or plastic are not permanent; keep it away from all solvents (including dish-washing liquids), chemicals and heat.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code k
- Treatment state
- treated
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Amazonite, p.53; §6.2 k (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Amazonite — care (wear): cleaves or fractures easily or is brittle (e.g. rubbed facet edges); wear with care.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code b
- Treatment state
- untreated
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Amazonite, p.53; §6.2 b (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Amazonite — care (wear): cleaves or fractures easily or is brittle (e.g. rubbed facet edges); wear with care.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
CIBJO Gemstone Book §6.2:special-care code b
- Treatment state
- treated
- Only after these treatments
- fissure filling with oil, surface waxing
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) (CIBJO): §8 Annex C, Amazonite, p.53; §6.2 b (locator checked 2026-09-25)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Amazonite — care (special care): dyed or surface-coloured: special care (SC).
AGTA Gemstone Information Manual, 17th ed.
- Treatment state
- treated
- Only after these treatments
- dyeing
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- AGTA Gemstone Information Manual, 17th edition (August 2026) (AGTA): p.VII, Gemstone Information Chart, Amazonite D, CARE REQUIRED / SPECIAL ADVICE (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Amazonite — care (special care): impregnated with wax, paraffin or oil: special care (SC); avoid heat, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaning.
AGTA Gemstone Information Manual, 17th ed.
- Treatment state
- treated
- Only after these treatments
- surface waxing
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- AGTA Gemstone Information Manual, 17th edition (August 2026) (AGTA): p.VII, Gemstone Information Chart, Amazonite W, CARE REQUIRED / SPECIAL ADVICE (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Amazonite — care (special care): impregnated with plastic or other hardened resin: special care (SC); avoid chemicals and ultrasonic cleaning.
AGTA Gemstone Information Manual, 17th ed.
- Treatment state
- treated
- Only after these treatments
- impregnation
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- AGTA Gemstone Information Manual, 17th edition (August 2026) (AGTA): p.VII, Gemstone Information Chart, Amazonite I, CARE REQUIRED / SPECIAL ADVICE (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Common care questions and matching entries
CleaningAmazonite should not be cleaned ultrasonically; the CIBJO Blue Book — Official Gemstone Book (Coloured Stone Commission 2022) registers this care conclusion as applying regardless of treatment status. CIBJOThe same CIBJO Blue Book also states that treated Amazonite that has been dyed, oiled, resin-impregnated, waxed or plastic-impregnated has a non-permanent treatment and must be kept away from all solvents (including detergent), chemicals and heat; untreated Amazonite is prone to breaking, so wear it with care; treated Amazonite, in the case of oiled fissures or surface waxing only, is likewise prone to breaking and should be worn with care. AGTAThe American Gem Trade Association (AGTA) Gemstone Information Manual, 17th edition, states: for treated Amazonite that is dyed only, dyeing or surface colouring needs special care (marked SC); for surface waxing only, stones with wax, paraffin or oil need special care (marked SC) and should also be kept away from heat, chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners; for impregnation only, stones impregnated with plastic or other hardened resins need special care (marked SC) and should also be kept away from chemicals and ultrasonic cleaners.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Question | Matching entries |
|---|---|
| Can it go in an ultrasonic or steam cleaner? | care (cleaning) |
| Contact with acids, alkalis and household chemicals | Treatments with dye, oil, resin, wax or plastic are not permanent; keep it away from all solvents (including dish-washing liquids), chemicals and heat |
| Wearing limits (knocks, settings) | cleaves or fractures easily or is brittle (e.g. rubbed facet edges); wear with care; cleaves or fractures easily or is brittle (e.g. rubbed facet edges); wear with care |
Care entries by treatment state
The same entries grouped by the treatment state each applies to; each links to its full wording and source. Letters are CIBJO special-care codes, explained on the gemstone care page.
any treatment state
- care (cleaning) §6.2 j
treated
untreated
treated (Only after these treatments: fissure filling with oil, surface waxing)
treated (Only after these treatments: dyeing)
treated (Only after these treatments: surface waxing)
treated (Only after these treatments: impregnation)
Treatments and identification leads
Registered treatmentsThe treatments registered for Amazonite are impregnation, fissure filling with oil, surface waxing and irradiation. Stability and frequencyImpregnation has the status treated, its stability is unstable and it occurs occasionally; fissure filling with oil and surface waxing both have the status treated, are both unstable and both occur commonly; for impregnation, fissure filling with oil and surface waxing, the cited sources give no identification leads or sources. Irradiation has the status irradiated or dyed, and the cited source gives no stability or prevalence; the identification lead is that white microcline is treated into blue Amazonite, which is rare and hard to detect; the cited standard can be followed for Amazonite as a reference only and does not govern it directly, and the source is GB/T 16553—2017. Values not givenA “—” in the register always means the cited source gives no value, not “none”. SyntheticsNo synthetic Amazonite is available on the market.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Treatment | Market frequency (CIBJO) | Stability (CIBJO) | GB/T 16552 category | JJA/AGL listing | Identification leads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| impregnationStatus: treated | occasionally | unstable | — | — | — |
| fissure filling with oilStatus: treated | commonly | unstable | — | — | — |
| surface waxingStatus: treated | commonly | unstable | — | — | — |
| irradiationStatus: irradiated or dyed | — | — | Treatment | — | See identification leads |
| Filling | — | — | Graded — see §5.4.1, Table 1 | — | — |
| Coating | — | — | Treatment | — | — |
| Diffusion | — | — | Treatment | — | — |
Where each treatment acts (schematics): Impregnated · Filled / Fracture-filled · Waxed · Irradiated
“—” means the cited source gives no value for that item, not “none”. Source: CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022 · GB/T 16553—2017; GB/T 16552—2017 Table B.1 (row for Feldspar)
Whether a treatment has to show in the name differs between the two rule sets (this site’s paraphrase):
- GB/T 16552—2017: a method classed as treatment has to be stated in the name itself — the method put before the name, or added in brackets after it; a method classed as optimization does not need to appear in the name, though one marked “Optimization (annotation required)” still has to be noted in the quality documents. Source: §5.4.2.1 a), b); §5.4.2.2 a)
- CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022: no longer splits treatments into ones that need specific disclosure and ones that need only general disclosure: every treatment is to be disclosed, and the seller tells the buyer which treatment was used and what special care it calls for. Source: §4.2.5 Note 2, §4.2.5.1, pp.14–15
What this table covers
What this page can give
- Registered treatments, their stability and how often they occur (see the table above)
- Identification leads for each treatment, for use when sending a stone for testing
VerifyNames, standards, technical facts, clauses and sources
Names
Besides Amazonite, the name register records "Amazon stone", for which no restriction on use as a name is recorded.
Standard and listing namesThe Chinese formal name for Amazonite is set out in GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1, and the suggested listing name is Amazonite. Names in four languagesThe four-language names cover Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, English (Amazonite) and Japanese; the GSJ (Japan) formal name is the same as the Japanese name. Trade and mineralogical namesThe mineralogical name is green to blue-green microcline feldspar, and the trade name/synonym Amazon stone is an older English name. National standard namesAmong national and regional formal names, Germany (RAL) writes Amazonit and the European Union writes Amazonite. Institution usageOn authority wording, CIBJO has Amazonite on record (CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022); the FTC text on file has no wording for this name (checked); GIA and Gem-A are unchecked. Bodies without a recorded wording show the entry's own English name, which does not represent that body's position.
Name register
Every name recorded for this entry, with how it is classified, whether it may be matched to this entry automatically, whether it may be used as a product name, and the clause it rests on.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Name | Type | Matching | Use as a name | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| no restriction recorded (1) | ||||
| Amazon stoneEnglish | historical name | matched automatically | no restriction recorded | editorial ruling (no clause cited) |
How each authority words this name: see Names › Authority wording.
- GSJ (Japan) formal name
- アマゾナイト／天河石
- Chinese formal name
- 天河石 (GB/T 16552—2017 Table A.1)
- Mineralogical name
- Green to blue-green microcline feldspar
- Trade names and synonyms
- Amazon stone (historical name)
Four-language names
- 简体中文
- 天河石
- 繁體中文
- 天河石
- English
- Amazonite
- 日本語
- アマゾナイト／天河石
National and regional formal names
- Germany (RAL)
- Amazonit
- European Union
- Amazonite
See also: Misleading and prohibited trade names · Supplementary name index
Classification
- Origin
- Natural materials
- Material domain
- Natural inorganic gem materials
- Browsing family
- Feldspar materials
- Identity tier
- Mineral / gemstone variety
- Mineral chemical class
- Silicates
- Construction or treatment status
- Natural identity; treatment status unknown
Treatments listed by standards
The treatment entries for Amazonite under GB/T 16552—2017 Annex B, Table B.1 are applied by this site from the Feldspar row of Table B.1. That row lists: filling, graded; coating, treatment; diffusion, treatment; irradiation, treatment. The full Feldspar row, with the effect column, is on the Feldspar page; what Table B.1 is and how the filling grades are defined are explained on the Gem treatments page.
GB/T 16552-2017, Annex B, Table B.1
Under the “Feldspar” row of Table B.1: Filling Graded — see §5.4.1, Table 1; Coating Treatment; Diffusion Treatment; Irradiation Treatment. The full row, with the effect column, is on the Feldspar page.
What Table B.1 is, and how the “see 5.4.1” grades are defined: see the GB/T 16552: optimization vs treatment page.
What it is and how it's identified
Among the material facts for Amazonite, chemical composition is recorded for potassium feldspar (the whole subclass), with the formula KAlSi3O8, which may contain elements such as Ba, Na, Rb and Sr. In the records specific to Amazonite, the phase is microcline (feldspar group). Recorded for feldspar (the whole mineral group): crystalline structure; tabular or short prismatic crystal habit, commonly with Carlsbad, polysynthetic and cross-hatched twinning; Mohs hardness 6–6.5; perfect cleavage in two directions; optic character anisotropic, biaxial, positive or negative; vitreous lustre when untreated. The crystal system is recorded as monoclinic or triclinic. The clause specific to Amazonite gives density 2.54–2.58 g/cm³ (clause value 2.56, tolerance ±0.02, range derived from these), refractive index 1.518–1.534 (clause value 1.522–1.530, tolerance ±0.004, range derived from these) and birefringence 0.008 (the clause notes that birefringence is usually not measurable); transparency is opaque to translucent.
Registered material facts
Each row carries its own source and check date and can be cited on its own; “—” means the cited source gives no value, not “none”.
Chemical composition, luminescence, UV-visible spectrum, infrared spectrum, magnification: these whole-class features are given in the cited clause for feldspar (the whole mineral group), so they are not repeated on the Amazonite page; see the material facts on the Feldspar entry.
Items below that name the class they cover give the cited clause’s value for that whole class, not a measurement of Amazonite (how to read class-level values).
Definition
Amazonite — composition (chemistry): potassium feldspar: KAlSi3O8; may contain Ba, Na, Rb, Sr and other elements.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- potassium feldspar (the whole sub-group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.17 Chemical composition · Potassium feldspar (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Amazonite — composition (phase): microcline (feldspar group)
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Structure
Amazonite — structure (overall): crystalline
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- feldspar (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.17 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Amazonite — structure (crystal system): monoclinic or triclinic
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.17 Crystal system · Moonstone, amazonite (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Amazonite — structure (crystal system): Moonstone and amazonite belong to the monoclinic or triclinic system; sunstone and labradorite are triclinic.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- feldspar (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.17 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Amazonite — structure (crystal habit): Crystals are tabular or stubby prisms; Carlsbad, polysynthetic and gridiron (cross-hatched) twinning are common.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- feldspar (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.17 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Durability
Amazonite — Mohs hardness: 6–6.5
GB/T 16553—2017
Reference points on this site: Talc 1–3, Fluorite 4, Apatite 5–5.5, Orthoclase 6–6.5, Topaz 8, Diamond 10 (Source: GB/T 16553—2017); Gypsum 1.5–2, Calcite 3, Quartz 7 (Source: Handbook of Mineralogy); Corundum 9 (Source: GIA Gem Encyclopedia (care guide))
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- feldspar (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.17 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Amazonite — cleavage: two directions of perfect cleavage
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- feldspar (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.17 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
For Amazonite, the stability of impregnation is “unstable”.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- treated
- Treatment
- impregnation
- Qualification
This says how well the treatment holds up, not how durable Amazonite itself is.
- General note
- no durability verdict here
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
For Amazonite, the stability of fissure filling with oil is “unstable”.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- treated
- Treatment
- fissure filling with oil
- Qualification
This says how well the treatment holds up, not how durable Amazonite itself is.
- General note
- no durability verdict here
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
For Amazonite, the stability of surface waxing is “unstable”.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- treated
- Treatment
- surface waxing
- Qualification
This says how well the treatment holds up, not how durable Amazonite itself is.
- General note
- no durability verdict here
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Physical properties
Amazonite — density: 2.54–2.58 g/cm³
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
The clause we cite gives 2.56, with a stated tolerance of ±0.02. The range shown here is worked out from that.
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.17 Density · Amazonite (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Amazonite — density: 2.55–2.75 g/cm³
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- feldspar (the whole mineral group)
- General note
- the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.17 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Optical
Amazonite — optic character: biaxial and anisotropic; optic sign may be either positive or negative.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- feldspar (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.17 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Amazonite — refractive index: 1.518–1.534
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
The clause we cite gives 1.522–1.530, with a stated tolerance of ±0.004. The range shown here is worked out from that.
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.17 Refractive index · Amazonite (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Amazonite — refractive index: 1.508–1.572
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- feldspar (the whole mineral group)
- General note
- the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.17 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Amazonite — birefringence: 0.008
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
After this figure the clause we cite notes that it is generally not measurable.
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.17 Birefringence · Amazonite (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Amazonite — birefringence: 0.005–0.01
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- feldspar (the whole mineral group)
- General note
- the clause has finer ranges
Source & check 2026-09-21
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.17 (locator checked 2026-09-21)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-21
Amazonite — transparency: opaque to translucent.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
Amazonite — pleochroism: usually absent
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- feldspar (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.17 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Amazonite — optical effect (iridescence): seen
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- feldspar (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.17 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Amazonite — optical effect (chatoyancy): seen
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- feldspar (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.17 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Amazonite — optical effect (asterism): seen
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- feldspar (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.17 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Amazonite — optical effect (aventurescence): seen
GB/T 16553—2017
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- feldspar (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.17 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Amazonite — magnification: commonly seen grid color spot
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.17 Magnification (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
body colour2 sources compared
Amazonite — body colour: bright green, bright blue-green to light blue; green and white grid-like colour patches are common.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- Qualification
In chapter 5 of GB/T 16553—2017, the colour entries of Lazulite, Haüyne, Aquamarine and other variety clauses also name green or a greenish colour.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.17 Colour · Amazonite (locator checked 2026-09-28)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Amazonite — body colour: Light green to greenish blue, often with white streaks.
CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Qualification
In chapter 7 of the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book, the colour descriptions of Common Opal, Larimar, Lazulite and other entries also name green or a greenish colour.
- General note
- colour alone is not identity
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
How the sources relate
- GB/T 16553—2017 and CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024
Both give green to bluish green, and both mention white: GB/T 16553—2017 describes grid-like green and white patches, the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book white streaks. GB/T 16553—2017 also lists light blue.
- CIBJO definitions
- chatoyancy, asterism, aventurescence
Quality factors
Amazonite — quality factor (lustre): vitreous
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- untreated
- Does this standard apply
- applies to this entry
- What this covers
- feldspar (the whole mineral group)
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.17 (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
This material (RI / SG midpoints): 1.54 / 2.65; Closest values: 1Charoite 1.554 / 2.66, 2Changhua Stone 1.56 / 2.6, 3Shoushan Stone 1.56 / 2.7, 4Balin Stone 1.56 / 2.55, 5Bamboo Coral 1.57 / 2.65
Show the full chart (330 registered materials)
Outside the full chart's range, drawn as triangles at the edge (RI / SG midpoints): Hematite 3.045/5.12, Synthetic Rutile 2.76/4.26, Rutile 2.753/4.23, Synthetic Moissanite 2.67/3.22
Testing and market
For identification of Amazonite, the CIBJO laboratory protocol places Amazonite under "Feldspar"; the identification methods and the list of required tests are on the Feldspar entry and the laboratory testing page. For irradiated Amazonite, the identification clue is that white microcline is treated into blue amazonite; the treatment is rare and difficult to detect. This clue comes from GB/T 16553—2017, which can only be followed as a reference for Amazonite and does not govern it directly. There is no synthetic counterpart of Amazonite on the market. Among Amazonite on the market, impregnation is occasionally seen, while oil filling of fissures and surface waxing are both common.
The CIBJO laboratory protocol covers Amazonite under “Feldspar” (§6.1.33): see identification on the Feldspar entry; the required tests are listed on the CIBJO laboratory protocol table for Feldspar.
How far testing can go
Amazonite that has undergone irradiation can be identified by the following features: Irradiation can turn white microcline into blue amazonite; this is rare and not easy to detect.
GB/T 16553—2017
- Treatment state
- irradiated or dyed
- Does this standard apply
- can be followed as a reference only
- Treatment
- irradiation
Source & check 2026-09-26
- Source
- GB/T 16553—2017 Gems — Testing (GB/T): §5.1.17 (irradiation) (locator checked 2026-09-26)
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-26
Amazonite — synthetic counterpart on the market: No synthetic counterpart of this material is commercially available
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- any treatment state
Source & check 2026-09-22
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-22
For Amazonite in trade, the reported frequency of impregnation is “occasionally”.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- treated
- Treatment
- impregnation
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
For Amazonite in trade, the reported frequency of fissure filling with oil is “commonly”.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- treated
- Treatment
- fissure filling with oil
Source & check 2026-09-24
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-24
For Amazonite in trade, the reported frequency of surface waxing is “commonly”.
CIBJO Gemstone Book 2022
- Treatment state
- treated
- Treatment
- surface waxing
Source & check 2026-09-25
- Source
- Fact checked on
- 2026-09-25
Each row's “Source & check” expands to the full source; the date beside it is the fact check date.
Clause-level definitions
Amazonite is defined directly in the CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024, under the entry name Amazonite. The CIBJO Gemmological Laboratories Book 2024 classifies it by mineral group, mineral species and mineral/gemstone variety: the group is feldspar, the species is Microcline, and the variety is amazonite; the CIBJO wording is quoted in full under Clause-level definitions on this page. Cross-check result: defined directly by CIBJO; also present in the GB/T annex.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Term | Clause | Definition | Cross-check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazonite | 7.2.1.8 | Light green to greenish blue, often with white streaks, opaque to translucent | Defined directly by CIBJO; also present in the GB/T annex. |
Evidence and sources
Authority basis and clause sources
Sources
Further reading
Related entries and topic cluster
Parent entry and related pages on this site. Rows marked “Planned” are suggested new content and have no link yet.
Related-entry tree for Feldspar on this site: 13 entries listed by this site's parent-entry links; synthetic, treated and similar entries carry their recorded state after the name; this page (Amazonite) is marked.
This table scrolls sideways on narrow screens.
| Page | Content | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Browsing family | Feldspar materials | Live |
| Treatments recorded for this material | Waxed, Filled / Fracture-filled (via parent material), Coated (via parent material), Diffusion-treated (via parent material), Irradiated (via parent material) | Live |
| Related articles | To be added (placeholder) | Planned |
Who maintains this page
The material facts in the Amazonite entry are maintained by the LumaLark wiki and matched one by one to the standard clauses or institutional sources they cite: every fact carries its source (with a clause or page locator) and a check date, so it can be traced back to the original; clause-level definitions also carry a cross-check result. The entry exists so that buyers and sellers can check naming, disclosure and material facts item by item.