Anorthoclase
A variety of Albite
What is Anorthoclase?
The mineral anorthoclase ((Na,K)AlSi3O8) is a crystalline solid solution in the alkali feldspar series, in which the sodium-aluminium silicate member exists in larger proportion. It typically consists of between 10 and 36 percent of KAlSi3O8 and between 64 and 90 percent of NaAlSi3O8.
Healing Properties
Anorthoclase is believed to improve memory and cognitive thinking skills. It works with the Crown chakra to stimulate the brain and provide for better clarity and focus. Many use it during meditation to release energy from the Third Eye chakra and help them understand dreams or visions. Can be worn, carried, or placed in the home or workplace.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.518-1.534
- Birefringence
- 0.006-0.008
- Pleochroism
- Weak
- Optical Character
- Biaxial negative
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Key Characteristics
Formation of Anorthoclase
Anorthoclase occurs in high temperature sodium rich volcanic and hypabyssal (shallow intrusive) rocks. The mineral is typically found as a constituent of the fine grained matrix or as small phenocrysts which may occur as loose crystals in a weathered rock. It was first described in 1885 for an occurrence on Pantelleria Island, Trapani Province, Sicily. The name is from the Greek αν, ορθός and κλάσις (not cleaving at right-angles), for its oblique cleavage.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Colorless, white, pale creamy yellow, red, green
- Streak
- White
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- (Na,K)AlSi3O8
- Elements
- Al, Na, O, Si
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