About Orthoclase
A potassium-rich alkali feldspar, a polymorph of microcline and sanidine. Adularia is a variety (some moonstone is adularia). It's associated with hope, new beginnings, insight, and cooperation.
Primary Hues
Colorless, White, Grey, Pink, Yellow, Greenish, Reddish, often forms prismatic or tabular crystals
Metaphysical Properties
A stone of hope and new beginnings. Believed to enhance insight, promote cooperation, and aid in overcoming challenges.
Associated Tarot Cards
The Sun
Type: Major Arcana
Rationale: Symbolizes joy- leadership- and a positive outlook- aligning with Orthoclase's energy.
The Emperor
Type: Major Arcana
Rationale: Represents structure and confident leadership- resonating with this feldspar.
Associated Deities
Apollo
Pantheon: Greek
Domain: Sun- Light- Joy- Creativity
Rationale: Apollo's bright- solar energy aligns with Orthoclase.
Helios
Pantheon: Greek
Domain: Sun- Sight
Rationale: Helios as the personification of the sun is directly linked to this stone.
Metaphysical Uses
Promoting Optimism
Enhancing Leadership Focus
Attracting Success
Please read our Metaphysical Disclaimer
Geological & Scientific Details
Orthoclase is classified as a tectosilicate minerals, feldspar group, alkali series mineral which typically crystallizes in the monoclinic system. Its chemical formula is KAlSi3O8. Common crystal habits include can be anhedral or euhedral. grains are commonly elongate with a tabular appearance..
Key Geological Properties:
- Mineral Category: Tectosilicate minerals, feldspar group, alkali series
- Chemical Formula: KAlSi3O8
- IMA Symbol: Or[1]
- Crystal System: Monoclinic
- Predominant Geological Color: Colorless, greenish, greyish yellow, white, pink
- Crystal Habit: Can be anhedral or euhedral. Grains are commonly elongate with a tabular appearance.
- Twinning: Typically displays Carlsbad twinning. Baveno and manebach twins have also been reported in orthoclase.
- Cleavage: Has perfect cleavage on {001} and good cleavage on {010}. Cleavages intersect at 90°. It can be difficult to see cleavage in thin section due to orthoclases low relief.
- Luster: Vitreous, pearly on cleavage surfaces
- Streak: White
- Diaphaneity: Transparent to translucent