mineral
K-Feldspar (Microcline / Orthoclase)
Potassium Feldspar (KAlSi3O8)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 6; pink, white, or flesh-colored; vitreous to pearly luster; monoclinic or triclinic crystal system; two directions of cleavage at nearly 90 degrees.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 6; pink, white, or flesh-colored; vitreous to pearly luster; monoclinic or triclinic crystal system; two directions of cleavage at nearly 90 degrees.
Formation & geological history
Forms from cooling of silica-rich magma in igneous rocks like granite and pegmatite, or through metamorphic processes.
Uses & applications
Used primarily in the manufacture of ceramics, glass, porcelain, and as abrasive scouring powders.
Geological facts
Feldspars are the most abundant mineral group in the Earth's crust, making up about 60% of terrestrial rocks.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its characteristic salmon-pink color, blocky habit, and right-angle cleavage; commonly found globally in pegmatites and granites.
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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
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous