Amazonite Vs. Microcline


Amazonite is a gemstone composed of potassium aluminum tectosilicate.[1] Microcline is a popular mineral and its chemical composition is potassium aluminum silicate.[2]

Images of amazonite

Images of microcline


Quick Facts on Differences of Amazonite and Microcline

For a quick recap of the differences amazonite and microcline:
  • While both amazonite and microcline can be commonly green, microcline is often blue, brown, pink or yellow.
  • Amazonite's rarity is more rare than microcline.

Quick Facts on Similarities of Amazonite and Microcline

The similarities of amazonite and microcline include:
  • Amazonite and microcline both can be opaque or translucent.
  • In terms of crystallography, amazonite and microcline both are triclinic.
  • For chemical formulas, amazonite and microcline both are KAlSi3O8.
  • In terms of luster, amazonite and microcline both are vitreous.
  • Amazonite and microcline both streak white.
  • Amazonite's hardness is similar to microcline - they both range from 6 to 6.5 on the Moh's scale.
  • Amazonite's specific gravity overlaps with microcline - amazonite ranges from 2.54 to 2.63 and microcline ranges from 2.54 to 2.58.

Summary of Amazonite

Amazonite is a mineral that is also known as Amazon stone or Amazon jade. It is a type of feldspar that is typically green in color, although it can also be found in shades of blue or yellow-green. The green color is caused by the presence of lead and copper in the mineral.

Summary of Microcline

Microcline is a mineral that belongs to the feldspar group of minerals, which is one of the most common minerals on Earth. It is a potassium-rich mineral that is typically found in igneous rocks, and it forms as a result of the crystallization of magma. Microcline is typically white, pink, or yellow in color, and it has a hardness of 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale. It is also notable for its distinctive cleavage, which is visible as a series of parallel lines on its surface.

Table Comparison of Amazonite vs Microcline

Amazonite (src) Microcline (src)
Transparency translucent, opaque translucent, opaque
Chemical Formula KAlSi3O8 KAlSi3O8
Chemical Composition potassium aluminum tectosilicate potassium aluminum silicate
Specific Gravity 2.54, 2.63 2.54, 2.58
Hardness 6, 6.5 6, 6.5
Streak white white
Crystallography triclinic triclinic
Refractive Index 1.522, 1.53 1.514, 1.539
Hydrous No No
Colors common: green
sometimes: blue
less common: gray, purple, multicolor
common: green, blue, brown, yellow, pink
less common: tan, cream, white, orange, gray, multicolor
Category tectosilicates tektosilicates
Birefringence δ = -0.008 δ = 0.007
Fracture conchoidal, uneven conchoidal, splintery, uneven


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