Anorthite - Definition and Overview

Anorthite is one of the plagioclase feldspars, an important group of minerals abundant in the Earth's crust. Anorthite's chemical formula is CaAl₂Si₂O₈.

Contents

Mineralogy

Anorthite is the calcium-rich endmember of the plagioclase system, the other endmember being albite (sodium-rich). The range of intermediate compositions have varying ratios of calcium and sodium ions.

Occurrence

Anorthite occurs in igneous and metamorphic rocks. Its type localities are Monte Somma and Valle di Fassa, Italy,

Details

Crystallographic system	Triclinic
Colours	Normally colourless or white, colourless in thin section.
Lustre	Vitreous
Hardness	6-6.5
Refractive index	1.51
Cleavage	3: 1 perfect, 1 good, 1 poor
Twinning	Multiple lamellar and Carlsbad twins
Pleochroism	Yellow to dark green to transparent to opaque

External link

WebMineral entry (http://webmineral.com/data/Anorthite.shtml)

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