Properties
Mineral group: Feldspars
Chemistry: Wide spectra from Na to Ca to K in different combinations. Read/learn more about the mineral here Feldspar (klick return button in your browser when you want to go back to Riddgem).
Color: All kind of colours. Typical colours for certain gems. Like blue-bluegreen on amazonite.
Crystal system: Triclinic and monoclinic
Mohs Scale hardness: 6-6,5
Refractive index: 1,518-1,570
Birefringence: 0,008-0,010
Specific gravity: 2,56-2,75
Information
Possibilities for Confusion
Such a wide group can be confused with many other gemstones.
Treatments
Many different treatments can occur depend of type gem. Heating, irradiation, diffusion and others.
Instruments for ID
A good start is hardness and polariscope to find out crystal structure. Then the use of different instruments depend on wich gem.
Microscope/loupe might be the most importent tool because many of gem included in this group have very specific apperance like moonstone, sunstone amazonite and should easily be visualy determined. Thats case with others in the group also.
Deposits
Feldspar group is one of the worlds most common mineral and can be found all around the globe. However material of gemstone quality of certain kind of gem can be very rare.
Miscellaneous
The name feldspar comes from German "Feld" -field "spath" - a rock/stone that not contains ore. There are two sub-groups that can produce gemstones, Potassium feldspars and plagioclase.
Read/learn more about Feldspars by klick link on respective kind (klick return button in your browser when you want to go back to Riddgem).
Varieties/Types
Andesine - A plagioclase feldspar with an Albite: Anorthite molar ratio ranging from 50:50 to 70:30.
Anorthite - Calcium-rich Feldspar.
Bytownite - A plagioclase Feldspar with an Albite: Anorthite molar ratio ranging from 10:90 to 30:70.
Labradorite - A plagioclase Feldspar with an Albite: Anorthite molar ratio ranging from 30:70 to 50:50. Microcline - A triclinic Potassium Feldspar.
Feldspar in healing (Source: ChatGPT)
Feldspar is a group of minerals that includes several varieties, such as moonstone, labradorite, amazonite and orthoclase. The different types of feldspar have individual properties, but they also share common energies that promote balance, creativity and emotional healing.
1. Emotional balance
· Helps release negative emotions: Feldspar is believed to be a stone that helps the wearer release emotional baggage and promotes a sense of calm and harmony.
· Boosts self-esteem: It encourages self-love and self-acceptance, making it a support during challenging emotional periods.
2. Creativity and self-expression
· Promotes Creativity: Feldspar is known to inspire new ideas and help the user explore their creative self.
· Increases Intuition: Many feldspar varieties, such as moonstone, are strongly connected to intuition and listening to one's inner guidance.
3. Balance and transformation
· Support for life changes: Feldspar helps to deal with changes and to see them as opportunities rather than obstacles.
· Grounding energy: Despite its connection to emotional and spiritual work, feldspar also has a stabilizing effect on energy.
4. Physical properties (symbolic)
· Promotes energy flow: Feldspar is used to stimulate energy flow in the body and support physical healing.
· Strengthens the nervous system: Symbolically, it is said to help balance and strengthen the nervous system.
Specific varieties of feldspar
- Moonstone: For intuition, feminine energy and emotional balance.
- Labradorite: For protection, spiritual growth and transformation.
- Amazonite: To calm the mind, strengthen communication and balance between heart and mind.
- Orthoclase: For emotional stability and coping with life changes.
Use of feldspar
Meditation: Use the stone to balance the energy field and strengthen creativity and intuition.
Jewelry: Wear feldspar close to the body to benefit from its stabilizing and creative energy.
Crystal Nets: Include feldspar in nets for emotional balance and creative inspiration.
Feldspar is a versatile and supportive group of minerals that can be used to achieve emotional clarity, strengthen intuition and manage life's changes. Each variety of feldspar has its own unique energies, making it an adaptable stone for many needs. in healing
As with all crystals, the healing properties of Feldspar are based on spiritual and symbolic belief rather than scientific fact. However, many experience positive effects through its use in intentional and holistic practices.
