
mineral
Potassium Feldspar
K-Feldspar (KAlSi3O8)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, salmon, or flesh-colored; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Monoclinic or Triclinic; Cleavage: Two directions at 90 degrees; Specific Gravity: 2.55-2.63.
- Hardness
- 6 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Pink, salmon, or flesh-colored
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6 on Mohs scale; Color: Pink, salmon, or flesh-colored; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Monoclinic or Triclinic; Cleavage: Two directions at 90 degrees; Specific Gravity: 2.55-2.63.
Formation & geological history
Commonly forms in igneous rocks like granite and syenite through the cooling of magma, and in metamorphic rocks like gneiss. Found in various geological ages ranging from Precambrian to Cenozoic.
Uses & applications
Used in the manufacturing of glass and ceramics (porcelain), as a mild abrasive in scouring powders, and occasionally as a gemstone (Moonstone variant).
Geological facts
Feldspar is the most abundant mineral group in the Earth's crust, making up about 60% of its composition. Orthoclase is a common member of this group.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinctive pinkish color and two planes of cleavage at right angles. It is a primary constituent of pink granite commonly found in mountain ranges and continental crust exposures worldwide.
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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
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
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary