Microcline with Albite

specimen number:
2072070

location:
Teller Co., Colorado, USA

description:

A large double terminated bluish green crystal of microcline, this is the variety known as amazonite. White bladed crystals of albite are present. In good condition, nice large crystal for the species. Previously from the collection of Renaud Vochten.

The Pikes Peak Batholith in Teller County, Colorado, is world-famous for its production of microcline variety amazonite. Geologically, these specimens are found within Precambrian-aged granodiorite and granite that cooled slowly approximately one billion years ago. The amazonite occurs in specialized igneous structures known as pegmatite pockets, which formed as volatile-rich fluids concentrated rare elements during the final stages of magmatic crystallization. The characteristic blue-green color of the feldspar is attributed to trace amounts of lead substituting for potassium in the crystal lattice, followed by natural irradiation over millions of years. Collecting history in the region dates back to the late 19th century, with the Crystal Peak and Smoky Hawk areas becoming legendary for producing world-class specimens. These finds are often aesthetically associated with smoky quartz, forming a striking color contrast that is highly prized by mineralogists. While many historic sites are now private claims, the area remains a primary global source for large, well-formed amazonite crystals, which are frequently found in "miarolitic" cavities within the weathered granite matrix.

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