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FELDSPAR
feldspar - mineral #15AB1
The Feldspar mineral group
Feldspar is not a single mineral. It is a group of minerals related to each other in structure and chemical composition. Feldspar minerals are aluminum silicates of either potassium, sodium, and calcium. Several rare members contain barium, strontium, ammonia, etc. The Feldspar minerals form similar crystals, and in many cases it is practically impossible to distinguish one from another. If the entire Feldspar group were to be classified as a single mineral, it would be the most abundant mineral, as it makes up nearly half the earth's crust. Most Feldspars crystallize in the monoclinic and triclinic systems. Solid solution series exist between several members.
Common members of the Feldspar group:
Other Feldspars
Rare Feldspars not discussed in this guide
Buddingtonite (NH4)AlSi3O8 Reedmergnerite NaBSi3O8 Slawsonite (Sr,Ca)Al2Si2O8 Banalsite BaNa2Al4Si4O16 Stronalsite SrNa2Al4Si4O16 Lisetite CaNa2Al4Si4O16
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