Feldspars are a group of silicate minerals that make up about 60% of the Earth's crust, found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks
Feldspars are a group of silicate minerals that make up about 60% of the Earth's crust, found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. They are classified into plagioclase feldspars (sodium to calcium-rich) and potassium feldspars (potassium-rich). Key properties include a hardness of 6, two cleavages at right angles, and a vitreous or pearly luster. Feldspars are vital in geology for studying rock formation and are widely used industrially in glass, ceramics, and as fillers in various products. They occur in rocks like granite, basalt, gneiss, and arkose.
1. Plagioclase Feldspars - A series ranging from sodium-rich albite to calcium-rich anorthite, including intermediate forms like labradorite and andesine. These often display striations.
2. Potassium Feldspars - Potassium-rich varieties include orthoclase, microcline, sanidine, and adularia. They lack striations and may show a perthitic texture.
