Which mineral is described as a variety of amazonite?

Amazonite is a specific variety of feldspar that is often recognized for its striking turquoise-green color. Among the given options, spectrolite is noteworthy because it is a gem-quality form of labradorite, which is a type of feldspar known for its iridescence and beautiful play of colors. While spectrolite itself is not a direct variant of amazonite, labradorite and amazonite are both part of the feldspar family. This shared mineralogical background contributes to why spectrolite might be thought of in relation to amazonite, as they are both derived from the same elemental origins and share certain similarities in appearance, particularly when considering their vibrant colors.

The other options – jadeite, malachite, and chrysoprase – represent entirely different mineral groups. Jadeite is a type of jade, malachite is a copper carbonate mineral known for its green color, and chrysoprase is a variety of chalcedony, which is a form of quartz. None of these minerals are related to the feldspar group or have the distinctive qualities that link them to amazonite, which is why they do not fit as varieties of amazonite.