The facts
What microcline actually is
Mineralogically, microcline is feldspar group — KAlSi₃O₈, crystallising in the triclinic system.
The colour is caused by structurally bound Pb²⁺ with water gives the blue-green of amazonite. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.514–1.539, and the specific gravity sits near 2.55–2.63; cleavage is perfect basal and good prismatic at about 90°.
Where microcline comes from
The recognised sources are Pikes Peak, Colorado, USA, Konso, Ethiopia and Ilmen Mountains, Russia.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How microcline is treated
Amazonite is occasionally impregnated with polymer to hold cracked material together and is sometimes waxed. Colour is natural and light-stable, though prolonged heating destroys it.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What microcline is confused with
The usual confusions are Orthoclase, Turquoise and Amazonite-dyed quartzite.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.514–1.539 and specific gravity 2.55–2.63 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What microcline is used for
Microcline is bought by jewellery, mineral collecting, carving and sculpture, decorative objects and architecture and interiors — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat, by the specimen or by the block.
Durability and care
Hardness 6–6.5; cleavage perfect basal and good prismatic at about 90°. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
Hardness is not the whole story. Perfect cleavage means the stone can split cleanly if struck along the wrong plane, whatever its Mohs number, so a protective setting matters more here than the hardness suggests.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What microcline costs
Indicative pricing for microcline is Rough 2–20 USD/kg; good amazonite cabochons 5–40 USD.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is microcline treated, and how?
Amazonite is occasionally impregnated with polymer to hold cracked material together and is sometimes waxed. Colour is natural and light-stable, though prolonged heating destroys it.
Where does microcline come from?
Pikes Peak, Colorado, USA, Konso, Ethiopia and Ilmen Mountains, Russia. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is microcline hard enough to wear every day?
With care. It is 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale, which is hard enough, but perfect basal and good prismatic at about 90° cleavage means it can split if struck at the wrong angle. Use a protective setting and avoid ultrasonic cleaning.
How much does microcline cost?
Indicatively Rough 2–20 USD/kg; good amazonite cabochons 5–40 USD. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is microcline confused with?
Most often Orthoclase, Turquoise and Amazonite-dyed quartzite. A refractive index of 1.514–1.539 and a specific gravity near 2.55–2.63 separate it quickly.
What is microcline used for besides jewellery?
mineral collecting, carving and sculpture, decorative objects and architecture and interiors. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for microcline?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about microcline