Feldspar Minerals
Name and Composition - Orthoclase: K (AlSi3O8) (potassium aluminium silicate); Albite: Na(AISi3O8) (sodium aluminum silicate); Anorthite: Ca(AISi3O8) (calcium aluminium silicate).
Physical Properties - It occurs in variable coloures, usually white or light coloured but orthoclase is often pink or reddish. Ca-rich plagioclase is often dark grey coloured with bluish tinge; sometimes greenish or bright green (microcline) or colourless. Crystals are prismatic and twinning is a common feature. Luster is vitreous to pearly; iridescence may be seen on cleavage face. Hardness is 6.02 to 6.5; sp. gr. is 2.56 to 2.63.
Mode of Occurrence - Found associated with quartz in pegmatites.
Uses - Feldspar is used as flux in ceramic industries and for welding electrodes. It finds use in glass industries, acid proof refractory's; as mild abrasive in scouring powder; as functional fillers in paint, plastic, rubber and adhesives; as a bonding agent in abrasives; in manufacture of artificial teeth, fertilizer and white cement. Certain varieties of feldspar like moonstones are used as semi precious stones.
Mineral based Industries – Glass and ceramic industries, pulverisers.
Industrial Prospects – Glass and ceramic industries, pulverisers.
Physical Properties
Hardness
Sp. gr.
Reflectance
Density
Sp. gr.
Reflectance
Density
6.02 to 6.5
2.56 to 2.63
88 - 97
2.65 g/cm3
2.56 to 2.63
88 - 97
2.65 g/cm3
Chemical Properties
Silica Oxide (SiO2)
Alumina Oxide (Al2O3)
Ferric Oxide (Fe2O3)
Titanium Oxide (TiO2)
Sodium Oxide (Na2O)
Potash Oxide (K2O)
Loss on Ignition
Alumina Oxide (Al2O3)
Ferric Oxide (Fe2O3)
Titanium Oxide (TiO2)
Sodium Oxide (Na2O)
Potash Oxide (K2O)
Loss on Ignition
67.50%
18.00%
0.12%
0.04%
2.50%
11.00%
0.40%
18.00%
0.12%
0.04%
2.50%
11.00%
0.40%
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