How do I identify Feldspar?

Feldspar can be identified by its Colourless color. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Feldspar?

Feldspar typically appears in Colourless, yellow, green, blue-green, orange, red-brown, dark gray, gray-black. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

Feldspar

A variety of Minerals

What is Feldspar?

Feldspars (KAlSi3O8 – NaAlSi3O8 – CaAl2Si2O8) are a group of rock-forming tectosilicate minerals that make up about 41% of the Earth's continental crust by weight. Feldspars crystallize from magma as both intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks and are also present in many types of metamorphic rock. Rock formed almost entirely of calcic plagioclase feldspar is known as anorthosite. Feldspars are also found in many types of sedimentary rocks.

Feldspar Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Feldspar using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Feldspar Localities Map

See where Feldspar is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

Key Characteristics

Composition of Feldspar

The structure of a feldspar crystal is based on aluminosilicate tetrahedra. Each tetrahedron consists of an aluminium or silicon ion surrounded by four oxygen ions. Each oxygen ion, in turn, is shared by a neighbouring tetrahedron to form a three-dimensional network. The structure can be visualized as long chains of aluminosilicate tetrahedra, sometimes described as crankshaft chains because their shape is kinked. Each crankshaft chain links to neighbouring crankshaft chains to form a three-dimensional network of fused four-member rings. The structure is open enough for cations (typically sodium, potassium, or calcium) to fit into the structure and provide charge balance.