Anorthite
Anorthite is a silicate mineral prized by collectors for its exceptional color range, with known Chinese sources.
About Anorthite
Anorthite belongs to the silicate class in the feldspar group / plagioclase series (ca end-member) and has the chemical formula CaAl2Si2O8. It crystallizes in the triclinic system and is one of the most visually varied minerals in the collector market.
Identification & care
Anorthite typically forms tabular crystals; commonly granular or massive in rocks. Its color range is broad, including white, gray, colorless, pale pink, and greenish. The luster is vitreous, pearly on cleavage, the streak is white, and specimens range from transparent to translucent. The cleavage is perfect {001}, good {010} — intersect at ~86° (triclinic, not 90°). The fracture is conchoidal to uneven, which aids identification.
Collector context
Collector notes
Anorthite holds a steady place in systematic mineral collections. Anorthite is widely represented across Chinese provinces, including Fujian, Gansu, Anhui, Guangdong.