Mineral Species: Orthoclase

Chemical Formula: KAlSi3O8

Chemical Name: Potassium Aluminium Silicate

Mineral Class: Feldspar Silicate

Mineral Notes: Orthoclase is a polymorph of other rock-forming silicate minerals that share the same chemistry, but have different crystal structures. Another example is Adularia. If positive identification between these minerals can not be made then the specimen may simply be referred to as a potassium feldspar or K-spar.

Description: A single large crystal of pink Orthoclase on a bed of fused Quartz crystals. The Orthoclase has a most unusual cross-section and termination. Upon one face sits a well-formed crystal of smoky Quartz.

Location: Yonshao, Fujian, China.