Difference between revisions of "Feldspar"

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Feldspar is a group of minerals that are very important in rock formation, accounting for over half the earth's crust! There are a number of varieties that are used in jewelry. The most important are andesine, sunstone, amazonite, moonstone, and labradorite, the latter known for their phenomenal iridescence and adularescence. 
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Amazonite was used by the ancient Egyptians for the carving of deities. The stone was considered a catalyst between the living and the gods. Moonstone was thought to drive away sleeplessness.

Revision as of 14:21, 2 October 2006

Feldspar
Chemical composition Potassium, sodium and calcium-aluminum silicates

I. K-feldspar (KALSi308)
II . Plagioclase feldspar (isomorphous)

Crystal system Monoclinic - triclinic
Habit Prismatic, often twinned
Cleavage Good to perfect
Fracture Conchoidal
Hardness 6
Optic nature Biaxial ±
Refractive index 1.52 - 1.53 (K-feldspar)

1.528 - 1.588 (plagioclase)

Birefringence 0.006 - 0.007 (K-feldspar)

0.008 - 0.011 (plagioclase)

Specific gravity 2.55 - 2,58 (K-feldspar)

2.60 - 2.80 (plagioclase)

Lustre Vitreous

Feldspar is a group of minerals that are very important in rock formation, accounting for over half the earth's crust! There are a number of varieties that are used in jewelry. The most important are andesine, sunstone, amazonite, moonstone, and labradorite, the latter known for their phenomenal iridescence and adularescence. Amazonite was used by the ancient Egyptians for the carving of deities. The stone was considered a catalyst between the living and the gods. Moonstone was thought to drive away sleeplessness.