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Mineral description and properties:
A commonly occurring silicate mineral which makes up about 41% of the Earth’s crust by weight. Mainly found as veins in igneous rocks such as granite but can also be found in many types of metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.
Feldspar varieties:
There are different types of feldspar depending on the metal ions combined with the silicate. Feldspars are divided into two groups:
plagioclase feldspar (usually white, contain sodium or calcium)
K-spar or potassium feldspar (often pink but sometimes white, contains potassium)
Feldspar has a non-metallic, vitreous luster, a white streak and a hardness of ~ 6.0.
Weathering of feldspar results in clay minerals such as kaolin.
Uses for feldspar:
Feldspar is used in tiles, dinnerware, ceramics, pottery glazes, glass and fiber insulation.
Fun Facts
Anorthosite is a type of rock made almost entirely of feldspar. When you look up to the moon, the light areas are anorthosite rock.
Feldspar is used to make toilets.
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