mineral
Pink microcline feldspar (likely amazonite-type feldspar)
Microcline, KAlSi₃O₈ (potassium feldspar)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectPale pink to lavender, opaque, vitreous to pearly luster, with blocky grains and cleavage; Mohs hardness 6–6.5 and specific gravity about 2.54–2.63. The rounded edges indicate tumbling or natural abrasion.
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Physical properties
Pale pink to lavender, opaque, vitreous to pearly luster, with blocky grains and cleavage; Mohs hardness 6–6.5 and specific gravity about 2.54–2.63. The rounded edges indicate tumbling or natural abrasion.
Formation & geological history
Forms in slowly cooled silica-rich igneous rocks, especially granite and pegmatite, through crystallization of potassium feldspar. Most specimens are Precambrian to younger, depending on locality.
Uses & applications
Commonly used as a ceramic and glass raw material; attractive pink material is collected, polished, or used decoratively, though this small specimen has little gem value.
Geological facts
Microcline is the low-temperature polymorph of potassium feldspar; its characteristic cross-hatched twinning may be visible under magnification. The image could also represent pink orthoclase or feldspar-rich granite, since the texture is indistinct.
Field identification & locations
Identify by salmon-pink color, hardness, two cleavages near 90°, and lack of strong acid reaction; inspect for twinning and test against glass. Common in granitic pegmatites worldwide, including Maine, South Dakota, Brazil, and Madagascar.
