Orthoclase

Origin Of Name

From Greek word orthos (right angle) and klasis (to break)

    Orthoclase-Serra-de-Peneda-Portugal

    Copyright: Emil Javorsky/Encyclopedia              Britannica, Inc.

Orthoclase is common in many kinds of silicic igneous rocks, sediments such as arkoses, and a variety of metamorphic rocks. Quartz and micas are typically associated minerals

Physical Properties

. Hardness- 6

. Specific Gravity- 2.56

. Clevage- 90° clevage angle, perfect (001), good (010), poor {110}

. Fracture- Uneven

. Luster- Pearly, Vitreous

. Transparency- Translucent

. Colour- White, pink, turbid

. Streak- White

Crystal System- Monoclinc

Uses- Ceramics, glass, abrasives, gemstones