mineral
Moonstone
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
Hardness: 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: colorless, white, gray, yellow, orange, peach, pink, green, blue. Luster: vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: monoclinic. Cleavage: perfect in two directions.
- Hardness
- 6-6
- Luster
- vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: colorless, white, gray, yellow, orange, peach, pink, green, blue. Luster: vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: monoclinic. Cleavage: perfect in two directions.
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous rocks like pegmatites and granites, as well as some metamorphic rocks.
Uses & applications
Mainly used as a gemstone in jewelry.
Geological facts
Known for its adularescence, a floating play of light. It has been used in jewelry for centuries, especially during the Art Nouveau period.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic adularescence and hardness. Found in Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Myanmar, and the USA.
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Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral