orthoclase
/'ɔ:θoukleis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A white or colored monoclinic feldspar: A common mineral of the feldspar group, typically white, pink, or colorless, and crystallizing in the monoclinic system. It is a key component of many igneous rocks like granite.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The pink crystals in this granite are orthoclase.
- Orthoclase is an important mineral used in the manufacture of porcelain and glass.
Advanced Usage
- In Petrology: Used to describe the potassium-rich feldspar in a rock's mineral composition.
- The rock's composition was determined to be 60% quartz, 30% orthoclase, and 10% biotite.
Variants and Related Words
- Feldspar (n): The broader group of rock-forming minerals to which orthoclase belongs.
- Microcline (n): Another potassium feldspar mineral, but with a triclinic crystal structure, often confused with orthoclase.
- Sanidine (n): A high-temperature form of potassium feldspar, typically found in volcanic rocks.
Synonyms
- Potassium feldspar: A more general term for feldspars rich in potassium, including orthoclase, microcline, and sanidine.
- K-feldspar: An abbreviated chemical term synonymous with potassium feldspar.
Noun
- a white or colored monoclinic feldspar