orthoclase Hear it!

orthoclase Definition

or·tho·clase (ôr′t̸hō klās′, -klāz′; --t̸hə-)

noun

a monoclinic feldspar, KAlSiO, that is dimorphic with microcline; potassium aluminum silicate

Etymology: Ger orthoklas < Gr orthos (see ortho-) + klasis, fracture (< klan, to break: see clastic), because of the 90° cleavage

orthoclase Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • feldspar: At upper right is a granite with the characteristic pinkish color given by orthoclase feldspar.