Feldspar Minerals Have Become Important In The Construction Industry As They Have Variety Of Uses In Construction Applications

 

Feldspar 

Feldspar is a variety of aluminosilicate mineral that is composed primarily of K, Na, Ca, and Ba. Most
feldspars crystallize from melt in igneous rocks. Their compositions are unstable at low temperatures, and they segregate into separate mineral crystals. Each mineral crystal has its own specific properties, and its composition varies depending on the host crystal. Feldspar crystals exhibit a variety of cleavage characteristics.

The most commonly used Feldspar mineral is moonstone, however, these are difficult to find in typical jewelry stores. Alkali feldspars are comprised of three distinct species. The first two are triclinic, and the third is orthoclase. Orthoclase is common in volcanic rocks, while sanidine is more widespread. These three types are classified according to their chemical compositions. There are also different crystal habit types. Orthoclase and sanidine are triclinic, while orthoclase and adularium have a characteristic cross-hatched twinning.

A common occurrence of Feldspar is in clay minerals. These minerals promote the retention of water and nutrients in soil and are mined for various human uses. Feldspar is more abundant in Earth's crust than diamonds and quartz, however, it is still less popular than these gems. In fact, it's more important than diamonds and quartz to life in the critical zone. So, while quartz and diamonds are arguably the most sought-after minerals, feldspar is an important mineral that should be considered for mining.

Some feldspars are partly weathered and altered to clay minerals. These include orthoclase and plagioclase. The least resistant of these types is anorthite, which is found more in sand than plagioclase. However, it is important to remember that some Feldspar varieties are characteristic and originate from classic localities. Mineral collectors can easily identify them by their distinctiveness.

Feldspar minerals are abundant in the earth's crust and have been found in meteorites. Feldspars are present in every phase of the rock cycle, and they can be found in almost all sections. Feldspars typically precipitate out of magma as it cools. They can also form as metamorphic minerals in veins, which require a high level of heat and pressure to transform them. For this reason, they are important in the construction of buildings and are used in the making of ceramics, porcelain, and glass. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), production of feldspar in the U.S. was estimated to value US$ 28 million in 2018 and US$ 45 million in 2020.