mineral
Pink Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase Feldspar (KAlSi3O8)
Hardness: 6 on Mohs scale; Color: salmon-pink to reddish-orange; Luster: vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: perfect in two directions at 90 degrees.
- Hardness
- 6 on Mohs scale
- Color
- salmon-pink to reddish-orange
- Luster
- vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6 on Mohs scale; Color: salmon-pink to reddish-orange; Luster: vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Monoclinic; Cleavage: perfect in two directions at 90 degrees.
Formation & geological history
Formed during the crystallization of igneous rocks like granite and pegmatite, as well as in some metamorphic rocks. Most specimens date back millions of years depending on the local plutonic activity.
Uses & applications
Used in the manufacture of glass and ceramics, as a filler in paints and plastics, and occasionally as a gemstone (sunstone or moonstone varieties).
Geological facts
Feldspars make up about 60% of the Earth's crust. 'Orthoclase' comes from the Greek words for 'straight fracture', referring to its two cleavage planes at right angles.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its pinkish color, blocky cleavage, and hardness that can scratch glass but not quartz. Commonly found in granitic terrains worldwide.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic