Albite is a common feldspar mineral, specifically the sodium-rich endmember of the plagioclase feldspar series. It is one of the most widespread rock-forming minerals, occurring in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary environments.
🌍 Origins and Naming
- Name Origin: From Latin albus (“white”), referring to its typical color.
- Type Locality: Described in the early 19th century, widely distributed worldwide.
🔬 Chemical and Structural Properties
- Formula: NaAlSi₃O₈
- Mineral Group: Feldspar (plagioclase series)
- Crystal System: Triclinic
- Color: White, colorless, sometimes gray, bluish, or greenish
- Habit: Tabular crystals, granular masses, or cleavable fragments
- Hardness: 6–6.5 on Mohs scale
- Specific Gravity: ~2.62
- Luster: Vitreous
- Streak: White
- Cleavage: Perfect on {001}, good on {010}
⚙️ Geological Occurrence
- Igneous Rocks: Common in granites, pegmatites, rhyolites.
- Metamorphic Rocks: Found in schists and gneisses.
- Sedimentary Rocks: Present as detrital grains in sandstones.
- Associated Minerals: Quartz, orthoclase, microcline, muscovite, biotite.
📖 Scientific and Economic Significance
- Petrology: Key mineral for classifying igneous rocks (especially granites and pegmatites).
- Industrial Use:
- Source of sodium in ceramics and glass manufacture.
- Used in porcelain production.
- Collectors: Transparent crystals from pegmatites can be attractive, though albite is usually common and not highly prized.
✨ Conclusion
Albite is a sodium-rich feldspar (NaAlSi₃O₈), widespread in igneous and metamorphic rocks, important in geology and industry. While common, it plays a crucial role in rock classification and has practical applications in ceramics and glass.
In short: Albite = sodium feldspar, triclinic, white to colorless, abundant in granites and pegmatites.
