Feldspar
Feldspars are complex series of aluminosilicates with varying amounts of potassium, sodium, calcium. Common amongst these are the potash felspars called orthoclase and microcline (K2 O.Al2 O3 .6SiO2 ), sodium felspar called albite (Na2 O.Al2 O3 .6SiO2 ) and calcium felspar called anorthite (CaO.Al2 O3 .2SiO2 ). The sodium and calcium felspars form a continuous series of solid solutions and are together termed plagioclase felspars.
Felspars occur in a variety of colours, pink, brown and grey felspars are known to be common.
It is a crucial raw material in ceramics, glass, and paint due to its fluxing properties, reducing melting temperatures and enhancing durability.
Key Features
- • Types: Potassium (K-Feldspar) & Sodium (Na-Feldspar)
- • Hardness: 6–6.5 Mohs
- • Appearance: White, pink, or gray crystalline structure
Industrial Applications:
- • Glassmaking (lowers melting point for energy efficiency)
- • Ceramics (tiles, sanitaryware, dinnerware)
- • Paints & Coatings (improves scratch resistance)
Did You Know? Over 50% of feldspar mined globally is used in glass production. Feldspar are gemstones too, Moonstone, Sunstone and Labradorite are few commonly used varieties.
