mineral
K-Feldspar (Potassium Feldspar)
Microcline / Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness of 6; typically pink, salmon, or white; vitreous to pearly luster; monoclinic or triclinic crystal systems; exhibits two directions of good cleavage at nearly 90 degrees.
Identified More mineral →
Explore K-Feldspar (Potassium Feldspar) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Mohs hardness of 6; typically pink, salmon, or white; vitreous to pearly luster; monoclinic or triclinic crystal systems; exhibits two directions of good cleavage at nearly 90 degrees.
Formation & geological history
Forms primarily in felsic igneous rocks like granites and pegmatites through the slow cooling of magma, as well as in metamorphic and sedimentary environments.
Uses & applications
Widely used in the manufacture of ceramics, porcelain, glass, and as a scouring agent in abrasives.
Geological facts
Feldspars are the single 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 coloration, blocky habit, and distinct cleavage planes; commonly found in pegmatite dikes and granitic terrains worldwide.
