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Amazonite

Chemical Formula

KAlSi3O8

Chemical Class

Silicates

Properties

From feldspar group, Amazonite presents perfect cleavages in both directions, forming 90° angles or close to such value, hardness around 6 and relative density between 2.55 and 2.76.

Origin

Santa Maria de Itabira, MG, Brazil.

Curiosities

Feldspars are the most abundant minerals in the crust, standing for more than 60% of earth´s surface.

Use

Tableware and china glazed, glass and porcelain tile manufacturing. The purest amazonites change into beautiful gemstones as they undergo cutting. Photo credit: Andréa Ferreira

ABC of mining