2.6" Amazonite Crystal Cluster with Smoky Quartz - Colorado

This is a lovely, teal blue amazonite crystal cluster with smoky quartz that was mined from the 10 Percenter Claim in Park County, Colorado.

Amazonite is a green variety of microcline feldspar that is the state mineral of Colorado. It has recently received a lot of attention for its prominence on the reality show “Prospectors”, which follows several groups of Colorado mineral miners. In fact, most of our amazonite is sourced from some of the prospectors on the show. High-quality crystals are found at several locations in Colorado, often in vugs associated with smoky quartz.

Its name comes from the Amazon River, where the mineral was originally thought to be found, though is now doubtful to occur in the region. Its distinct blue-green color was originally thought to be caused by copper content, but it is actually due to very small quantities of lead present in the mineral. The lead is locked away in the crystal structure so it poses no health risk from handling.

Smoky quartz is a grey-brown to black variety of quartz. This common name is derived from the appearance of smoke within the quartz crystal. Depending on the location and the chemicals present during formation, smoky quartz can appear opaque black, but it is typically translucent to some extent. It is believed that the quartz gains this color from a combination of natural irradiation and aluminum impurities.


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DETAILS
SPECIES
Microcline var. Amazonite & Quartz var. Smoky
LOCATION
10 Percenter Claim, Lake George, Park County, Colorado
SIZE
2.6 x 1.5"
CATEGORY
ITEM
#168080