Orthoclase crystal structure
monoclinic

Orthoclase

KAlSi3O8

Quick Facts

Hardness
6-6.5
Specific Gravity
2.55-2.63
Refractive Index
1.518-1.526

Crystal Structure

monoclinic[2/m]:{010}@1.0 + {001}@0.8 + {100}@0.9 + {110}@0.6
monoclinic
2/m
{010} {001} {100} {110}

Physical Properties

Crystal Systemmonoclinic
Hardness (Mohs)6-6.5
Specific Gravity2.55-2.63
CleavagePerfect {001} and {010} at approximately 90 degrees
FractureUneven to conchoidal
LustreVitreous to pearly

Optical Properties

Refractive Index1.518-1.526
Birefringence0.005-0.008
PleochroismNone to weak
Dispersion0.012

Interactive Preview

Open this crystal in the CDL Playground to rotate, export, and explore in 3D.

Open in Playground
monoclinic[2/m]:{010}@1.0 + {001}@0.8 + {100}@0.9 + {110}@0.6