AllMineralsRock
Orthoclase
Orthoclase is a popular gemstone composed of potassium aluminum silicate. [1]
Orthoclase: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Orthoclase:- Transparency: Orthoclase can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, orthoclase is monoclinic.
- Luster: In terms of luster, orthoclase can be pearly or vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Orthoclase streaks white.
- Hardness: Orthoclase's hardness ranges from 6 to 6.5 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Orthoclase's specific gravity ranges from 2.55 to 2.63.
Orthoclase: Background and Summary
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.Orthoclase has a variety of uses in different industries. It is commonly used in the production of ceramics, glass, and as a filler in paints and coatings. It is also used as a flux in the production of aluminum and other metals. Additionally, orthoclase is used in the manufacturing of electrical insulators and as a gemstone.
Orthoclase: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Orthoclase (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | KAlSi3O8 |
| Chemical Composition | potassium aluminum silicate |
| Specific Gravity | 2.55, 2.63 |
| Hardness | 6, 6.5 |
| Streak | white |
| Crystallography | monoclinic |
| Refractive Index | 1.518, 1.539 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: green, yellow sometimes: gray, pink, black, brown, white, orange, colorless |
| Category | silicate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.0050–0.0060 |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Orthoclase: FAQ
Q: Can orthoclase be found in nature?A: Yes, orthoclase is a naturally occurring mineral commonly found in igneous rocks.
Q: Is orthoclase a valuable mineral?
A: Orthoclase can be valuable as a gemstone, but its value depends on its quality and rarity.
Q: Is orthoclase dangerous?
A: Orthoclase is not considered dangerous to handle or touch. However, like any mineral, it should not be ingested or inhaled.
Q: Can orthoclase be used in construction?
A: Yes, orthoclase can be used as a filler in construction materials such as concrete and asphalt.
Sources
- Mindat.org. (n.d.). Orthoclase. Retrieved from https://www.mindat.org/min-3035.html- Geology.com. (n.d.). Orthoclase: The mineral orthoclase information and pictures. Retrieved from https://geology.com/minerals/orthoclase.shtml
- Orthoclase: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthoclase
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