Where is Amazonite in Quartz found?
Microcline (KAlSi3O8) variety amazonite with Quartz (SiO2)
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Open the appAmazonite in Quartz occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Amazonite in Quartz
Pikes Peak, Colorado, USA
Famous for producing some of the finest deep blue-green amazonite crystals, often found in association with smoky quartz and albite in pegmatite pockets.
Minas Gerais, Brazil
Known for various pegmatite minerals, including amazonite, sometimes found with quartz.
Ilmen Mountains, Russia
Historically significant locality for amazonite, often found in pegmatites.
Ambatofinandrahana, Madagascar
Produces high-quality amazonite, frequently intergrown with quartz.
Muzo, Colombia
While primarily known for emeralds, some pegmatitic occurrences can yield amazonite.
Ethiopia
Newer discoveries of amazonite in quartz have been reported.
Collecting tips
- Target Pegmatites. Focus your search on granitic pegmatite outcrops. These are typically coarse-grained igneous rocks, often found as dikes or sills intruding into other rock types.
- Look for Feldspar and Quartz. Identify areas rich in large feldspar crystals (especially potassium feldspar) and quartz. Amazonite is a variety of microcline, a potassium feldspar.
- Color Clues. Keep an eye out for the distinctive blue-green color of amazonite. It can range from pale to intense, and may be unevenly distributed.
- Associated Minerals. Amazonite in quartz is often found with other pegmatite minerals such as albite, muscovite, biotite, garnet, and sometimes tourmaline or beryl.
- Fracture Zones. Examine weathered pegmatite zones or areas where the rock has fractured, as these can expose fresh surfaces of the minerals.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Blue-green to green (amazonite) with colorless, white, or smoky (quartz)
- Luster:
- Vitreous to sub-vitreous
- Streak:
- White (for both amazonite and quartz)
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