Rock Identifier
Polished pink feldspar pebble (Microcline or orthoclase feldspar, KAlSi₃O₈, possibly with quartz or mica inclusions) — mineral
mineral

Polished pink feldspar pebble

Microcline or orthoclase feldspar, KAlSi₃O₈, possibly with quartz or mica inclusions

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pale salmon-pink, translucent to opaque, with a vitreous-to-waxy polish and dark inclusions; feldspar hardness is about 6–6.5 Mohs, with two cleavage directions and monoclinic or triclinic crystal structure.

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Physical properties

Pale salmon-pink, translucent to opaque, with a vitreous-to-waxy polish and dark inclusions; feldspar hardness is about 6–6.5 Mohs, with two cleavage directions and monoclinic or triclinic crystal structure.

Formation & geological history

Likely an eroded igneous or metamorphic feldspar fragment, later tumbled and polished; feldspar formed during crystallization of potassium-rich granite or related rocks, commonly in Precambrian to younger continental crust.

Uses & applications

Used mainly as a lapidary, teaching, or pocket specimen; feldspar is also important in glass, ceramics, and industrial fillers, though this small piece has minimal commercial value.

Geological facts

The pink color commonly comes from trace iron and lattice defects; black spots may be biotite mica, hornblende, or iron-oxide inclusions.

Field identification & locations

Identify it by its salmon-pink color, moderate hardness, cleavage, and lack of strong banding; common sources include granite terrains and river gravels worldwide. A definitive identification would require hardness, cleavage, and possibly chemical or microscopic testing.