About
Albite also forms a series with Sanidine, and the intermediary member of this series is Anorthoclase. Albite can contain up to ten percent potassium replacing the sodium. If more than ten percent replaces the sodium, the mineral is no longer Albite, but Anorthoclase.
Albite is a very common mineral, and is an important rock-forming mineral. It takes a longer time for Albite to crystallize than the other feldspars. This enables Albite to form in large and well crystallized examples. Albite is also a common accessory mineral to many rare and unusual minerals. The iridescent variety Peristerite sometimes exhibits an adularescent sheen. This produces an unusual form of Moonstone.
Albite sometimes forms in association with the feldspar mineral Microcline in alternating patterns, and forms a feldspar rock known as Perthite.
Crystal Forms & Aggregates
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Complex Tests
Striking Features
Environment
Varieties
✓ common · ✗ uncommon
- Cleavelandite— Thin, bladed crystals or plates of Albite, usually white in color.
- Pericline— Elongated, white prismatic crystals of Albite.
- Peristerite— Iridescent variety of Albite. Its color sheen is similar to Labradorite but not as pronounced and is usually on a white or light colored background.
- Analbite— Albite containing a small percentage of potassium replacing the sodium. The ratio of sodium to potassium must be greater than 9:1, otherwise the mineral is Anorthoclase.
Uses
Noteworthy Localities
In Canada, Albite was found in Quebec at the Francon quarry, Montreal; and at Mount St.-Hilaire, Quebec. In the U.S., some of the best and clearest crystals are from Amelia Court House, Amelia Co., Virginia. Other important localities are Pala, San Diego Co.,California; the Little Three mine, Ramona, San Diego Co., California; the Foote Spodumene mine, Kings Mt., Cleveland Co., North Carolina; and Auburn, Androscoggin Co., Maine.
Common Mineral Associations
Distinguishing Similar Minerals
Other Plagioclase Feldspars - Usually cannot be determined by practical means.
Spodumene - Has a splintery fracture.
Barite - Lower hardnessand much heavier.
Calcite - Much lower hardness.
Photos
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