Description
A sodium plagioclase feldspar mineral composed of sodium aluminum silicate. Albite is found throughout the world, with major locations in the Alps, Urals, Harz Mountains, France, Norway, and the U.S. (Maine, Virginia, Colorado). The mineral is translucent to opaque with a pearly luster. Although usually white, the brittle, glassy crystals that may be colorless, yellow, pink, green, or black. Albite is used in ceramics and in the manufacture of artificial teeth. It can cause unwanted bubbles in glazes at temperatures above 1200 C (Fournier 1996).
Synonyms and Related Terms
albus (Lat.); albita (Esp.); albite (Fr.; Port.); Albit (Deut.); albiet (Ned.)
Other Properties
Crystalline system = triclinic with tabular crystals, twinning is common.
Cleavage occurs at 86o24' angles
Additional Information
R. Fournier, Illustrated Dictionary of Practical Pottery, Chilton Book Co., Radnor, PA, 1996.
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Last updated on: 3/9/2010 9:49:25 AM
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