mineral
Pink feldspar fragment (likely orthoclase or microcline)
Potassium feldspar, KAlSi₃O₈
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectSmall salmon-pink, translucent-to-opaque rough fragment with a vitreous to pearly luster; likely Mohs hardness 6, two cleavage directions near 90°, and blocky crystal structure. The image is insufficient to distinguish orthoclase from microcline confidently.
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Physical properties
Small salmon-pink, translucent-to-opaque rough fragment with a vitreous to pearly luster; likely Mohs hardness 6, two cleavage directions near 90°, and blocky crystal structure. The image is insufficient to distinguish orthoclase from microcline confidently.
Formation & geological history
Forms by crystallization in silica-rich igneous rocks such as granite and pegmatite, and in some metamorphic rocks; specimens may be Precambrian to Cenozoic in age. The piece appears naturally fractured or lightly shaped.
Uses & applications
Used extensively in glass and ceramic manufacture, as an industrial flux, and occasionally as a low-cost ornamental or cabochon material.
Geological facts
Pink coloration commonly results from trace iron or other lattice impurities. Microcline may show distinctive cross-hatched twinning, while orthoclase generally does not.
Field identification & locations
Look for salmon-pink color, glassy luster, poor transparency, and cleavage surfaces; it should scratch ordinary glass but not quartz. Common in granitic terrains worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Norway, India, and Madagascar.
