Sanidine

From Fresh Dictionary

English

Noun

sanidine

  1. (mineralogy) A variety of orthoclase feldspar found as tabular crystals embedded in volcanic rocks. It sometimes reflects a blue sheen along crystal planes. This phenomenon is called adularescence, and sanidine with this property is called moonstone.
  • Chemical composition: Potassium aluminum silicate, <math>KAlSi_3O_8</math>
  • Physical properties:
    • Moh's Hardness: 6.0
    • Specific gravity: 2.6
    • Color: white, flesh, yellow, pink
    • Luster: glassy
    • Fracture: conchoidal
    • Habit: tabular. Well developed crystal faces are often highly reflective.

Related terms

See rock, mineral, gemstone

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