Orthoclase

In a broader sense, "orthoclase" refers to all right-angled cleaving feldspars, in a narrower sense to monoclinic potassium feldspar. This has a variety of synonyms: felsite, orthose, pegmatolite and many more.

Orthoclase occurs worldwide, gem qualities are found in India, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, USA, Brazil and Australia. Gold orthoclase is a yellow, clear variety of orthoclase. It is found in Mexico and Madagascar.

Its colours are white, yellowish, reddish, brown, gold orthoclase is intense golden yellow and clear.


Mineral class of framework silicates
Formula: KAlSi3O8 + Na,Fe,Ba,Sr,Ti

Mohs hardness: 6 - 6.5
Density: 2.56 - 2.62
cleavage: perfect, uneven fracture
Stroke colour: white
Transparency: transparent to opaque

Healing properties
Improves self-perception, sensation, makes optimistic and cheerful, promotes sensitivity, thinking, logic and judgement