orthoclase

or·tho·clase  (ôrth-kls, -klz)

n.

A variety of feldspar, essentially potassium aluminum silicate, KAlSi₃O₈, characterized by a monoclinic crystalline structure and found in igneous or granitic rock. Also called potash feldspar.

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[Greek ortho-, ortho- + Greek klasis, a breaking (from kln, to break).]

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orthoclase [ˈɔːθəʊˌkleɪs -ˌkleɪz]

n

(Earth Sciences / Minerals) a white to pale yellow, red, or green mineral of the feldspar group, found in igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. It is used in the manufacture of glass and ceramics. Composition: potassium aluminium silicate. Formula: KAlSi₃O₈. Crystal structure: monoclinic

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orthoclase  (ôrth-kls)

A white, pink, yellow, or brown type of potassium feldspar. It is dimorphous with microcline, being more stable at higher temperatures than it is. Also called: potash feldspar. Chemical formula: KAlSi₃O₈.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

orthoclase - a white or colored monoclinic feldspar feldspar, felspar - any of a group of hard crystalline minerals that consist of aluminum silicates of potassium or sodium or calcium or barium