Orthoclase
Orthoclase is a silicate mineral prized by collectors for its exceptional color range, with known Chinese sources.
About Orthoclase
Orthoclase is classified as a silicate mineral in the feldspar group / alkali feldspar and has the chemical formula KAlSi3O8. It crystallizes in the monoclinic system and is one of the most visually varied minerals in the collector market.
Identification & care
Orthoclase typically forms prismatic crystals with characteristic Carlsbad twins; also massive (most rock-forming occurrences). Its color range is broad, including white, cream, pale yellow, salmon pink, gray, and adularia variety is colorless. The luster is vitreous, pearly on cleavage faces, the streak is white, and specimens range from transparent to opaque. The cleavage is perfect in two directions at ~90° (prismatic). The fracture is conchoidal to uneven, which aids identification.
Collector context
Collector notes
For collectors, Orthoclase is a benchmark crystalline species. Orthoclase is widely represented across Chinese provinces, including Fujian, Gansu, Anhui, Guangdong.