Albite
A species of Plagioclase, Also known as Albitic plagioclase, Cryptoclase, Hyposclerite, Natro-feldspat, Soda Feldspar, Sodic plagioclase, White Feldspar Scientific name : Albite Mineral : Plagioclase
Albite, A species of Plagioclase
Also known as:
Albitic plagioclase, Cryptoclase, Hyposclerite, Natro-feldspat, Soda Feldspar, Sodic plagioclase, White Feldspar
Scientific name: Albite
Mineral: Plagioclase
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Description
Albite is a common member of the feldspar family. Its white or colorless crystal is fairly hard and takes a polish well, and so may very occasionally be carved into a gemstone, especially in the rare instances where it has a slight hue to it. They are usually only of interest to specialist collectors. Albite is also used occasionally in glass and ceramics manufacturing.
Physical Properties
Colors
White to grey, bluish, greenish, reddish
Refractive Index
1.525-1.542
Birefringence
0.008-0.011
Optical Character
Biaxial positive
Chemical Properties
Formula
Na(AlSi3O8)
Elements listed
Al, Na, O, Si
Common Impurities
Ca, K, Mg
People often ask
General Info
Healing Properties
Albite is believed to improve memory and cognitive thinking skills. It works with the Crown chakra to stimulate the brain and provide for better clarity and focus. Many use it during meditation to release energy from the Third Eye chakra and help them understand dreams or visions. Can be worn, carried, or placed in the home or workplace.
How to Select
Pure white or colorless albite is typically more valuable than its pink, green, yellow, or black varieties. Clarity and size are important factors, with more valuable specimens being eye-clean. Specific gravity and hardness can be tested to determine the authenticity of a potential albite specimen. Furthermore, authentic specimens will not react to acids other than hydrofluoric acid.
Usage
Formation
It occurs in granitic and pegmatite masses (often as the variety Cleavelandite), in some hydrothermal vein deposits, and forms part of the typical greenschist metamorphic facies for rocks of originally basaltic composition. Minerals that albite is often considered associated with in occurrence include biotite, hornblende, orthoclase, muscovite and quartz. 
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