Microcline
A variety of Alkali Feldspar
What is Microcline?
Microcline is a fairly common, potassium-rich mineral in the feldspar group. Found in a wide variety of colors, vibrant specimens are sought after by collectors. Blue or greenish varieties of microcline go under the commercial name Amazonite, and these crystals are often carved or polished to make relatively inexpensive jewelry. On the industrial side, this mineral is used in the creation of ceramics and glass products.
Uses & Applications
Microcline is used to create many porcelain and ceramic products, and it is occasionally used in combination with other feldspar minerals to manufacture glass. It is also a prized gemstone due to its unique green color.
Healing Properties
Microcline is believed to release a person's creativity and help improve their self-esteem. It is used to align the chakras and enhance the thought process. Many believe it improves clarity, decreases stress, and brings about a calm emotional state while helping to alleviate aches and pains associated with emotional distress.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.514-1.539
- Birefringence
- 0.008-0.010
- Pleochroism
- Weak
- Optical Character
- Biaxial negative
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Microcline before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Microcline Localities Map
See where Microcline is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Geochemistry
Microcline may be chemically the same as monoclinic orthoclase, but because it belongs to the triclinic crystal system, the prism angle is slightly less than right angles; hence the name "microcline" from the Greek "small slope." It is a fully ordered triclinic modification of potassium feldspar and is dimorphous with orthoclase. Microcline is identical to orthoclase in many physical properties, and can be distinguished by x-ray or optical examination. When viewed under a polarizing microscope, microcline exhibits a minute multiple twinning which forms a grating-like structure that is unmistakable. Perthite is either microcline or orthoclase with thin lamellae of exsolved albite. Amazon stone, or amazonite, is a green variety of microcline. It is not found anywhere in the Amazon Basin, however. The Spanish explorers who named it apparently confused it with another green mineral from that region. The largest documented single crystals of microcline were found in Devils Hole Beryl Mine, Colorado, US and measured ~50x36x14 m. This could be one of the largest crystals of any material found so far. Microcline is commonly used for the manufacturing of porcelain.
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Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- White, grey, greyish yellow, yellowish, tan, salmon-pink, bluish green, green
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6 - 6.5
- Density
- 2.56 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Crystal System
- Triclinic
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- K(AlSi3O8)
- Elements
- Al, K, O, Si
Also Known As
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Microcline FAQs
How do I identify Microcline?
Microcline can be identified by its hardness of 6 - 6.5 on the Mohs scale, White color, Vitreous luster, Triclinic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Microcline?
Microcline typically appears in White, grey, greyish yellow, yellowish, tan, salmon-pink, bluish green, green. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Microcline?
Microcline has a hardness of 6 - 6.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
