Comparison · Minerals vs Silicate Minerals
Amazonite vs Microcline
Amazonite and Microcline are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Amazonite and Microcline
- Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Amazonite is opaque, Microcline is translucent.
- They overlap in green, but Amazonite also comes in blue and Microcline also comes in white, pink, and gray.
Amazonite vs Microcline properties
| Property | Amazonite | Microcline |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Silicate Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 6 | 6 |
| Luster | vitreous | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | opaque | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.56 | 2.56 |
| Crystal system | triclinic | triclinic |
| Common colors | Blue-Green, Turquoise, Green | White, Cream, Pink, Green, Gray |
| Rarity | uncommon | common |
| Typical specimen value | $5–$150+ | $5–$300+ |
Which is more valuable?
Microcline is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $40 against $25 for Amazonite, and premium Microcline can reach $300 or more.
About Amazonite
Amazonite is a green to blue-green variety of microcline feldspar. Despite its name, it's not found in the Amazon but was named for its color similarity to the river.
About Microcline
Microcline is a potassium-rich feldspar and a rock-forming mineral in granites and pegmatites. Its blue-green gem variety, amazonite, is widely collected, while ordinary microcline appears as cream, pink, or gray crystals and masses.
Amazonite vs Microcline FAQ
Is Amazonite the same as Microcline?
No. Amazonite is a mineral while Microcline is a silicate mineral. Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Amazonite from Microcline?
Both sit near Mohs 6, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Hold a thin edge to the light: Amazonite is opaque, Microcline is translucent. They overlap in green, but Amazonite also comes in blue and Microcline also comes in white, pink, and gray.
Which is harder, Amazonite or Microcline?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 6.
Which is more valuable, Amazonite or Microcline?
Microcline is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $40 against $25 for Amazonite, and premium Microcline can reach $300 or more.
