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Microcline
Microcline is tectosilicate (alkali feldspar), KAlSi₃O₈. In the hand, it rates 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, and it runs salmon pink and white. The blocky pink-to-cream feldspar of pegmatite country, right-angle cleavage flashes, often intergrown with quartz in 'graphic granite' runes. Granites and pegmatites worldwide; giant crystals from Colorado (USA), Norway, Madagascar, single crystals can reach meters.
The geology.
Microcline carries the formula KAlSi₃O₈. It belongs to the triclinic system. On paper it is tectosilicate (alkali feldspar).
It sits at 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads vitreous to pearly. Light behaviour is translucent to opaque. Specific gravity runs 2.56 to 2.63. The streak is white. It breaks with two cleavages near 90°.
The blocky pink-to-cream feldspar of pegmatite country, right-angle cleavage flashes, often intergrown with quartz in 'graphic granite' runes.
Expect to see it as blocky crystals in pegmatite, huge cleavable masses or graphic granite intergrowths.
The origins.
Granites and pegmatites worldwide; giant crystals from Colorado (USA), Norway, Madagascar, single crystals can reach meters.
On value, the database notes: common; sharp salmon crystals are inexpensive classics.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, microcline carries feldspar's supportive balance themes, best known through its amazonite form.
Recorded here because it is part of how this material is sold, not because it is a property of the material.
Spotting the real thing.
The blocky pink-to-cream feldspar of pegmatite country, right-angle cleavage flashes, often intergrown with quartz in 'graphic granite' runes.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Orthoclase | Visually identical K-feldspar, microcline shows fine crosshatch 'tartan' twinning under magnification; field calls are habit and locality |
| Amazonite | Amazonite IS microcline's turquoise variety, see its own entry |
| Quartz | Quartz lacks cleavage flash and is glassier |
At-home tests.
None of these need a lab. A 10x loupe, good daylight and a steady hand cover most of what a buyer needs to know about microcline.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| By eye | Two cleavage flashes near 90° |
| Scratch check | Scratches glass with effort |
| By eye | Graphic granite quartz-rune intergrowths are classic |
If these checks leave you unsure, that is what appraisers are for. Do not file, heat or soak a piece to find out.
Care & handling.
At 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale it handles careful wear but scratches against quartz and dust. Store it separately and take rings off before rough work.
It breaks with two cleavages near 90°, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Most damage happens during cleaning, not wearing. Avoid steamers, ultrasonic tanks and anything from under the sink.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is KAlSi₃O₈. Crystal system: Triclinic. Specific gravity: 2.56 to 2.63. Streak: White. Cleavage and fracture: Two cleavages near 90°.
How it reaches the market
Granites and pegmatites worldwide; giant crystals from Colorado (USA), Norway, Madagascar, single crystals can reach meters.
What it gets confused with
Orthoclase: Visually identical K-feldspar, microcline shows fine crosshatch 'tartan' twinning under magnification; field calls are habit and locality. Amazonite: Amazonite IS microcline's turquoise variety, see its own entry. Quartz: Quartz lacks cleavage flash and is glassier.
What it is worth
Common; sharp salmon crystals are inexpensive classics.
One more thing
The largest known crystals of any mineral include microcline, one Russian pegmatite mass was estimated near 49 meters long.
An education-first guide.
There is nothing to buy on this page. Microcline is not part of our catalogue, and the guide is here anyway because somebody searching the name deserves a straight answer.
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