Microcline

Microcline is a common rock forming mineral that forms deep below ground. Microcline is often found in the igneous rocks granite and syenite. The less common green microcline is known as amazonite. Like many feldspars, microcline is commonly twinned, usually as carlsbad, albite or pericline twinning.

Chemical Formula:

KAlSi3O8

Mineral Class:

Tectosilicate

Crystal System:

Triclinic

Symmetry:

-1

Hardness:

6

Specific Gravity:

2.54-2.57

Cleavage:

{001} perfect, {010} good

Fracture:

Uneven

Color:

White, yellow, green, red/brown

Streak:

White

Luster:

Vitreous

Transparency:

Transparent/translucent

Common Habits:

Blocky, prismatic

Other Properties:

Commonly twinned

Notable Localities:

Ural Mountains; Norway and Pikes Peak, Colorado

Uses:

Manufacture of porcelain, ornamental material

Associated Minerals:

Quartz, albite

Specimens:


Microcline
Crystal Peak, CO


Microcline
Pikes Peak, CO


Microcline
Minas Gerais, Brazil


Microcline
Teller Co., CO


Microcline
North Conway, NH


Microcline
Ontario, Canada


Microcline
Minas Gerais, Brazil


Microcline with Albite
Florissant, Colorado