What is Microcline Feldspar?

Microcline feldspar is a common but little-known mineral. It forms in igneous rocks, and is commonly found in granite or pegmatites. Microcline feldspar is a tectosilicate mineral. This means it consists of silicate in the shape of triangular pyramids. It is rich is potassium, and so it is called an alkali mineral. Microcline feldspar has a triclinic crystal system. This means that microcline feldspar has no restrictions on sides or angles. It is in the class with the lowest symmetry level.

Microcline feldspar can be white, clear, red, green, or pale yellow. It’s luster is vitreous (glass like), but can sometimes be dull because of weathering. Microcline feldspar also has a white streak. It is almost always opaque, but can be translucent. It has a hardness of 6-6.5 on the mohs hardness scale.

Where is Microcline Feldspar Found?

Microcline feldspar forms mostly in igneous rock, like granite or syenite. It also forms in the metamorphic rock gneisses. This mineral has been found in Italy, Madagascar, Russia, United States of America, and many other regions around the world.

What is Microcline Feldspar Made of?

Microcline feldspar is composed of potassium, silicate, oxygen, aluminum, and a little bit of sodium.

Varieties of Microcline Feldspar

• Amazonite – a deep green form of microcline that is used as a gemstone
• Perthite – a stripped mineral that is a form of microcline
• Sunstone – a variety of microcline that is red-orange or brown

There are many other varieties of microcline feldspar, each having a different color or shape, but they are all in feldspar group, and are connected to microcline feldspar.

Uses of Microcline Feldspar

Microcline feldspar is used in the making of glass and clay pottery. Some crystals of different varieties are used as gemstones, especially amazonite crystals. They are also used for beads or for other decorative purposes.