mineral
Pink Feldspar
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8) or Microcline
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Peach, salmon-pink, or flesh-red; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Monoclinic or Triclinic; Cleavage: Two directions at nearly 90 degrees; Specific Gravity: 2.55-2.63
- Hardness
- 6
- Color
- Peach, salmon-pink, or flesh-red
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Peach, salmon-pink, or flesh-red; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Monoclinic or Triclinic; Cleavage: Two directions at nearly 90 degrees; Specific Gravity: 2.55-2.63
Formation & geological history
Formed primarily in intrusive igneous rocks like granite and syenite, as well as in high-grade metamorphic rocks and pegmatites. These minerals can be billions of years old, dating back to the Precambrian era in many continental shields.
Uses & applications
Used in the manufacture of glass and ceramics (as a flux), as a mild abrasive, and in the production of enamel. Gemstone varieties like moonstone or sunstone are used in jewelry.
Geological facts
Feldspar is the most abundant mineral group in the Earth's crust, making up about 41% of its total weight. The characteristic pink color is usually due to microscopic inclusions of hematite (iron oxide) or variations in the crystal lattice.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its distinct salmon-pink color, blocky cleavage planes, and hardness (it can scratch glass but is scratched by a steel file). Commonly found in the Appalachian Mountains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Canadian Shield.
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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
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous