mineral
Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Potassium Alveolar Silicate (KAlSi3O8)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6 on Mohs scale; Color: Pinkish-tan or salmon; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Two directions at nearly 90 degrees; Specific gravity: 2.55-2.63
- Hardness
- 6 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pinkish-tan or salmon
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6 on Mohs scale; Color: Pinkish-tan or salmon; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: Two directions at nearly 90 degrees; Specific gravity: 2.55-2.63
Formation & geological history
Formed in intrusive igneous rocks like granite or metamorphic rocks. It crystallizes from cooling magma at high temperatures and can be billions of years old depending on the host formation.
Uses & applications
Used in the manufacture of glass and ceramics, as a filler in paint and plastics, and occasionally as a gemstone (moonstone/sunstone).
Geological facts
Feldspar is the most abundant group of minerals in the Earth's crust, making up about 60% of terrestrial rocks.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its blocky shape, salmon-pink color, and flat cleavage planes that reflect light. It is common in gravel pits and mountainous terrains.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous