mineral
Potassium Feldspar (Microcline / Orthoclase)
KAlSi3O8
Hardness: 6 on Mohs scale; Color: Salmon pink, flesh-red, or reddish-orange; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Cleavage: Two directions at nearly 90 degrees; Crystal System: Triclinic or Monoclinic
- Hardness
- 6 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Salmon pink, flesh-red, or reddish-orange
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
Identified More mineral →
Explore Potassium Feldspar (Microcline / Orthoclase) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6 on Mohs scale; Color: Salmon pink, flesh-red, or reddish-orange; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Cleavage: Two directions at nearly 90 degrees; Crystal System: Triclinic or Monoclinic
Formation & geological history
Formed during the crystallization of felsic igneous rocks such as granite and pegmatites, as well as in high-grade metamorphic rocks.
Uses & applications
Used in glassmaking, ceramics, enamelware, and as an abrasive. High-purity specimens are collected for educational rock kits.
Geological facts
Feldspars make up around 60% of Earth's continental crust. Despite the grid label beneath it reading 'JASPER', the physical cleavage, pearly luster, and crystalline structure show this piece is actually Potassium Feldspar (placed in the Feldspar/Jasper card area).
Field identification & locations
Identified in the field by its distinct salmon-pink color, blocky cleavages at 90-degree angles, and hardness of 6 (scratches glass). Found globally in granitic pegmatites.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Limonite / Goethite (Iron Ore Mineral nodule)
FeO(OH)·nH2O / FeO(OH)
mineral
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary
Potassium Feldspar (Orthoclase)
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
mineral
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary