Mineral orthoclase belongs to the group of alkaline feldspars. It got its name thanks to the Breitgaupt mineralogue in 1823. Translated from the Greek language, "orthos" - direct, "clasus" - refraction. Indeed, a feature of orthoclase is an angle of 90 ยฐ between the joint planes. The mined stone has an opaque color with pink, green, red, brown, yellow, white or gray, unevenly distributed throughout the volume.
Origin
Orthoclase has a magmatic, post-magmatic and partially metamorphic origin. Its formation occurred as a result of solidification of natural melts - lava, magma, and also as a result of rock transformations due to physicochemical changes in the environment.
Place of Birth
In Russia, the orthoclase mineral is mined in the following regions:
- Udora district of the Komi Republic.
- Lovozero district of the Murmansk region.
- Pitkรคranta region of Karelia.
- Zelenchuksky district in Karachay-Cherkessia.
- Kaslinsky, Verkhneuralsky districts of the Chelyabinsk region.
- Asbestovsky and Gornouralsky urban districts of the Sverdlovsk region.
- Rubtsovsky district of the Altai Territory.
- Olkhonsky and Slyudyansky districts of the Irkutsk region.
- Verkhoyansk and Aldan regions in Yakutia.
- Ayano-May and Tuguro-Chumikan districts of the Khabarovsk Territory.
- Milkovsky district of Kamchatka Territory.
From the countries of the former USSR, mining is carried out in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Ukraine. Sri Lanka, Burma, India, Brazil, Australia, Italy can boast deposits of valuable varieties of the orthoclase mineral. One of the rarest species - transparent orthoclase - is found only in Madagascar. Large deposits are located in the Czech Republic, Kyrgyzstan, Austria, Germany, and Mexico.
Composition
The chemical formula of the mineral of orthoclase - KAlSi 3 O 8 - potassium aluminosilicate. It consists of:
- 64.4% silica (SiO 2 ).
- 18% alumina (Al 2 O 3 ).
- 16.6% potassium oxide (K 2 O).
- 1% impurities of sodium oxide (Na 2 O), barium (Ba), rubidium (Rb), sodium (Na).
The properties
The mineral orthoclase has a glass or pearlescent sheen, brittle in structure, has a density of 2.56 g / cm 3 . It is capable of dissolving in nitric acid and has electrical insulating properties. Outwardly, it has a continuous dense structure with interspersed and uneven step breaks. According to IMA and USSR taxonomy, the class of orthoclase mineral is silicates.
Some properties of the stone are shown in the table below.
Property | Value |
Transparency | Transparent, translucent, opaque |
Crystal shape | Columnar, tabular, prismatic |
Mohs hardness | 6 |
Syngonia | Monoclinic |
Refraction of light | 1,520-1,525 |
Birefringence | 0.005 |
Cleavage | Clear, perfect |
Molecular weight | 278.33 |
Pleochroism | Not pleochroite |
Optical relief | Low |
Types of mineral
Physical properties and color make it possible to distinguish several types of orthoclase mineral:
- Sun stone is a transparent mineral of a golden or yellow hue. After cutting, it acquires a delightful brilliance; therefore, it is popular in jewelry. Some stones of this type can reach a weight of more than 100 carats.
- The moonstone has a bluish-silver tint. This is the purest stone in composition, has a bewitching cold radiance, which is achieved due to its structure.
- Adularia (also called ice spar) is a dull, colorless, transparent mineral, which is a wedge-shaped crystal. Due to its unappealing appearance, it is not used in jewelry, but is a frequent participant in various exhibitions and collections.
- Sanidin is a vitreous stone interspersed with tabular crystals shining in the light. It has a warm tan.
- Microlin is a mineral of a light milk shade with transparent edges.
Some jewelers use the classification of minerals of orthoclases by shades:
- wolf eye - pearl gray tones;
- lennilit - green shades;
- water orthoclase - colorless minerals;
- ferriorthoclase - yellow shades;
- erythritis - the predominance of red tones.
Application
Due to its characteristics, the mineral orthoclase is widely used in the following areas:
- ceramic industry (production of porcelain, enamels, faience, glaze);
- glass industry;
- production of paints and varnishes;
- construction: manufacturing of tiles, decoration materials;
- electrical engineering;
- jewelry industry.
Orthoclase does not have much value, therefore it is often used as beads, cabochons, imitations of other natural stones. Some specimens of sun and moonstones due to their beautiful appearance and radiance can be used in decorative jewelry.
Transparent orthoclase stones are of some value to collectors, as they can rarely be found in nature. In addition, they require careful treatment because of their high fragility.
Healing properties
Traditional medicine uses the mineral orthoclase to treat depressive conditions in people, as well as when working with the mentally ill. It is believed that the stone is able to get rid of protracted melancholy moods, balance emotions, protect from rash acts and even suicide.
Healers recommend to constantly carry this stone with you, and the cleaner and more transparent the orthoclase is, the higher its effect. In addition, there is an opinion about the beneficial effects on the general condition of the body in the treatment of cancer. The stone has the property of enhancing the effect of medications that destroy cancer cells. Directly, it does not affect the growth of the tumor, but it helps to reduce the level of toxic effects of drugs, thus allowing them to increase their dosage and concentration.
It is believed that a ring with orthoclase is a wonderful gift for a creative person: a stone helps to catch inspiration, add color to the expression of thoughts, and avoid a creative crisis.
Sunstone helps fight allergies, sanidin helps with asthma and edema. Adularia is used in the treatment of the genitourinary system and hormonal disorders.
Magical properties
All types of orthoclase are used in love magic: for example, a moonstone presented to a young wedding day can preserve a happy union for a long time. It will retain its color until there is a threat of destruction of the marriage. Sometimes orthoclase allows you to add a spark to a cooled relationship.
It is most convenient to wear a stone in a pendant, beads, bracelets, so it will protect from separation, keep love. A stone will not bewitch a person, but it is able to bring order to thoughts, open a soul, arouse interest.
Sun stone can push for action, reward the gift of clairvoyance. Sanidin will help to get the love and disposition of others.
Orthoclase is a talisman-patron of the zodiac signs Cancer and Pisces, in their relation its action is especially strong, it helps them to find balance, develop intuition. Negative interaction is possible on representatives of the elements of fire: Sagittarius, Lviv, Aries.