AllMineralsRock
Microcline Vs. Orthoclase
Microcline is a popular mineral composed of potassium aluminum silicate.[1] Orthoclase is also a popular gemstone and its chemical composition is also potassium aluminum silicate.[2]
Quick Facts on Differences of Microcline and Orthoclase
For a quick recap of the differences microcline and orthoclase:- While both microcline and orthoclase can be opaque or translucent, orthoclase can be transparent.
- In terms of crystallography, microcline is triclinic while orthoclase is monoclinic.
- While both microcline and orthoclase is vitreous, in terms of luster, orthoclase can be pearly.
- While both microcline and orthoclase can be commonly green or yellow, microcline is often blue, brown or pink.
Quick Facts on Similarities of Microcline and Orthoclase
The similarities of microcline and orthoclase include:- For chemical formulas, microcline and orthoclase both are KAlSi3O8.
- Microcline and orthoclase both streak white.
- Microcline's rarity is similar to orthoclase.
- Microcline's hardness is similar to orthoclase - they both range from 6 to 6.5 on the Moh's scale.
- Microcline's specific gravity overlaps with orthoclase - microcline ranges from 2.54 to 2.58 and orthoclase ranges from 2.55 to 2.63.
Summary of Microcline
Microcline is a mineral that belongs to the feldspar group of minerals, which is one of the most common minerals on Earth. It is a potassium-rich mineral that is typically found in igneous rocks, and it forms as a result of the crystallization of magma. Microcline is typically white, pink, or yellow in color, and it has a hardness of 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale. It is also notable for its distinctive cleavage, which is visible as a series of parallel lines on its surface.Summary of Orthoclase
Orthoclase is a mineral that belongs to the feldspar group and is commonly found in igneous rocks. It is also known as potassium feldspar and has a chemical composition of KAlSi3O8. Orthoclase can be identified by its characteristic cleavage, which forms at right angles to each other, and its pink, white, or yellow color. It has a Mohs hardness of 6-6.5, making it a relatively hard mineral.Table Comparison of Microcline vs Orthoclase
| Microcline (src) | Orthoclase (src) | |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency | translucent, opaque | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | KAlSi3O8 | KAlSi3O8 |
| Chemical Composition | potassium aluminum silicate | potassium aluminum silicate |
| Specific Gravity | 2.54, 2.58 | 2.55, 2.63 |
| Hardness | 6, 6.5 | 6, 6.5 |
| Streak | white | white |
| Crystallography | triclinic | monoclinic |
| Refractive Index | 1.514, 1.539 | 1.518, 1.539 |
| Hydrous | No | No |
| Colors | common: green, blue, brown, yellow, pink less common: tan, cream, white, orange, gray, multicolor |
common: green, yellow sometimes: gray, pink, black, brown, white, orange, colorless |
| Category | tektosilicates | silicate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.007 | δ = 0.0050–0.0060 |
| Fracture | conchoidal, splintery, uneven | splintery, uneven |