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Plagioclase

A group of related mineral species

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Photos of Plagioclase (2807)Recorded Ages and Analyses Discuss Plagioclase

Plagioclase Gallery Search Photos of Plagioclase

Edit Plagioclase Add Synonym Edit CIF structures Clear Cache

Albite

Poudrette quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, La Vallée-du-Richelieu RCM, Montérégie, Québec, Canada

Albite, etc.

San Piero in Campo, Campo nell'Elba, Livorno Province, Tuscany, Italy

Anorthite

Miyake Island, Miyake Subprefecture, Tokyo Metropolis, Japan

Labradorite

Ylämaa spectrolite quarries, Ylämaa area, Lappeenranta, South Karelia, Finland

Albite

Poudrette quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, La Vallée-du-Richelieu RCM, Montérégie, Québec, Canada

Albite, etc.

San Piero in Campo, Campo nell'Elba, Livorno Province, Tuscany, Italy

Anorthite

Miyake Island, Miyake Subprefecture, Tokyo Metropolis, Japan

Labradorite

Ylämaa spectrolite quarries, Ylämaa area, Lappeenranta, South Karelia, Finland

Albite

Poudrette quarry, Mont Saint-Hilaire, La Vallée-du-Richelieu RCM, Montérégie, Québec, Canada

Albite, etc.

San Piero in Campo, Campo nell'Elba, Livorno Province, Tuscany, Italy

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About PlagioclaseHide

Formula:

(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈

Member of:

Feldspar Group

In petrology, the plagioclase series are defined based on their percentage of the two end-members albite (Ab) to anorthite (An). Compositions of individual samples are usually written as An₂₄Ab₇₆ meaning in this case that it is a solid-solution member consisting of 24% anorthite and 76% albite.

List of plagioclase group members as used in petrology.

Name	Composition	Formula
Anorthite	An₁₀₀Ab₀ to An₉₀Ab₁₀	CaAl₂Si₂O₈
Bytownite	An₉₀Ab₁₀ to An₇₀Ab₃₀	(Ca,Na)Al(Al,Si)Si₂O₈
Labradorite	An₇₀Ab₃₀ to An₅₀Ab₅₀	(Ca,Na)Al(Al,Si)Si₂O₈
Andesine	An₅₀Ab₅₀ to An₃₀Ab₇₀	(Na,Ca)Al(Si,Al)Si₂O₈
Oligoclase	An₃₀Ab₇₀ to An₁₀Ab₉₀	(Na,Ca)Al(Si,Al)Si₂O₈
Albite	An₁₀Ab₉₀ to An₀Ab₁₀₀	NaAlSi₃O₈

Unique IdentifiersHide

Mindat ID:

9264

Long-form identifier:

mindat:1:1:9264:3

Similar NamesHide

Plagioklas

A synonym of 'Albite-Anorthite Series'

Mineral SymbolsHide

As of 2021 there are now IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols (abbreviations) for each mineral species, useful for tables and diagrams.

Symbol	Source	Reference for Standard
Pl	IMA–CNMNC	Warr, L.N. (2021). IMA–CNMNC approved mineral symbols. Mineralogical Magazine, 85(3), 291-320. doi:10.1180/mgm.2021.43

Chemistry of PlagioclaseHide

Mindat Formula:

(Na,Ca)[(Si,Al)AlSi₂]O₈

Age distributionHide

Recorded ages:

Neoarchean to Neogene : 2640 ± 11 Ma to 9.8 ± 0.3 Ma - based on 18 recorded ages.

Sample ages:

Sample ID	Recorded age	Geologic Time	Dating method
1	9.8 ± 0.3 Ma	Miocene	K-Ar
2	1782.5 ± 3.7 Ma	Statherian
3	2620 ± 36 Ma	Neoarchean	Sm/Nd
4	2626 ± 18 Ma	Neoarchean	Sm/Nd
5	2640 ± 11 Ma	Neoarchean	Sm/Nd

Sample references:

ID	Locality	Reference	Notes
1	Sabalan volcanic plateau, Ahar County, East Azerbaijan Province, Iran	Alberti, A. A., Comin-Chiaramonti, P., Di Battistini, G., Nicoletti, M., Petrucciani, C., & Sinigoi, S. (1976). Geochronology of the Eastern Azerbaijan volcanic plateau (northwest Iran). Rend. Soc. Ital. Mineral. Petrol, 32(2), 579-589.
2	Beluga sapphire property, Kimmirut, Baffin Island, Qikiqtaaluk Region, Nunavut, Canada	Belley, Philippe M., Dzikowski, Tashia J., Fagan, Andrew, Cempírek, Jan, Groat, Lee A., Mortensen, James K., Fayek, Mostafa, Giuliani, Gaston, Fallick, Anthony E., Gertzbein, Paul (2017) Origin Of Scapolite-Hosted Sapphire (Corundum) Near Kimmirut, Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada. The Canadian Mineralogist, 55 (4) 669-699 doi:10.3749/canmin.1700018	variety oligoclase
3	Mount Deans pegmatite field, Norseman, Dundas Shire, Western Australia, Australia	Tkachev A V (2011): Evolution of metallogeny of granitic pegmatites associated with orogens throughout geological time. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 350, 7-23.
4	Corinthia Gold Mine, Southern Cross, Yilgarn Shire, Western Australia, Australia	Tkachev A V (2011): Evolution of metallogeny of granitic pegmatites associated with orogens throughout geological time. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 350, 7-23.
5	Westonia, Westonia Shire, Western Australia, Australia	Tkachev A V (2011): Evolution of metallogeny of granitic pegmatites associated with orogens throughout geological time. Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 350, 7-23.

Chemical AnalysisHide

Oxide wt%:

Showing 12 of 14 analyses on this page.

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
SiO₂	66.31 %	68.65 %	66.16 %	64.85 %	62.69 %	59.15 %	66.80 %	65.99 %	67.99 %	43.83 %	54.03 %	63.27 %
Al₂O₃	20.61 %	19.33 %	20.85 %	21.41 %	23.80 %	24.62 %	20.21 %	19.96 %	19.52 %	35.64 %	29.04 %	23.27 %
MgO	0.07 %			0.09 %			0.02 %					0.13 %
CaO	0.41 %		2.66 %	2.64 %	5.03 %	7.32 %	0.72 %		0.40 %	19.81 %	11.93 %	3.93 %
MnO	0.00 %			0.08 %		0.02 %						0.01 %
FeO	0.02 %			0.24 %		0.06 %	0.21 %					0.05 %
Na₂O	11.61 %	11.77 %	10.20 %	10.20 %	8.66 %	7.95 %	9.42 %	11.34 %	11.51 %	0.25 %	4.80 %	9.23 %
K₂O	0.11 %			0.04 %	0.15 %	0.12 %	1.50 %	1.45 %	0.74 %	0.01 %		0.19 %
TiO₂				0.03 %
Cr₂O₃				0.06 %
P₂O₅							0.02 %
H₂O								1.04 %
SO₃
Fe₂O₃
SrO
BaO
Total:	99.14 %	99.75 %	99.87 %	99.64 %	100.33 %	99.24 %	98.9 %	99.78 %	100.16 %	99.54 %	99.8 %	100.08 %

Empirical formulas:

Sample ID	Empirical Formula
2	Na_1.00Al_1.00Si_3.00O₈
3	(Na_0.88Ca_0.13) E_1.01 Al_1.08Si_2.91O₈
13	(Na_0.33 Ca_0.15) Al_1.16Si_2.84O₈
4	Na_0.79 Ca_0.21Al_1.17Si_2.87O₈
5	Na_0.74 Ca_0.24Al_1.24Si_2.76O₈
6	Ab₆₉An₃₁
14	(Ca_0.95Na_0.05Sr_0.01)[Si_2.03Al_1.97O₈]
10	Na_0.07 Ca_0.94Al_1.96Si_2.03O₈
11	Na_0.42 Ca_0.58Al_1.55Si_2.44O₈

Sample references:

ID	Locality	Reference	Notes
1	Beluga sapphire property, Kimmirut, Baffin Island, Qikiqtaaluk Region, Nunavut, Canada	Belley, Philippe M., Dzikowski, Tashia J., Fagan, Andrew, Cempírek, Jan, Groat, Lee A., Mortensen, James K., Fayek, Mostafa, Giuliani, Gaston, Fallick, Anthony E., Gertzbein, Paul (2017) Origin Of Scapolite-Hosted Sapphire (Corundum) Near Kimmirut, Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada. The Canadian Mineralogist, 55 (4) 669-699 doi:10.3749/canmin.1700018
2	Kovalo eclogites, Kechros, Arriana, Rhodope, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Greece	Mposkos, E.; Baziotis, I.; Proyer, A. (2011) Pressure–temperature evolution of eclogites from the Kechros complex in the Eastern Rhodope (NE Greece). International Journal of Earth Sciences, 101 (4). 973-996 doi:10.1007/s00531-011-0699-2	EMPA analysis of albite from amphibole+plagioclase symplectite in an eclogite
3	" "	Mposkos, E.; Baziotis, I.; Proyer, A. (2011) Pressure–temperature evolution of eclogites from the Kechros complex in the Eastern Rhodope (NE Greece). International Journal of Earth Sciences, 101 (4). 973-996 doi:10.1007/s00531-011-0699-2	EMPA analysis of albite from amphibole+plagioclase symplectite in an eclogite
4	Steinsteg eclogite, Frosnitz valley, Matrei in Osttirol, Lienz District, Tyrol, Austria	Hoschek, G (2001) Thermobarometry of metasediments and metabasites from the Eclogite zone of the Hohe Tauern, Eastern Alps, Austria. Lithos, 59 (3) 127-150 doi:10.1016/s0024-4937(01)00063-9	EMPA analysis of retrograde plagioclase from a post-eclogite facies mica-schist
5	Obidim eclogite, Bansko Municipality, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria	Janák, M.; Froitzheim, N.; Georgiev, N.; Nagel, T. J.; Sarov, S. (2011) P-T evolution of kyanite eclogite from the Pirin Mountains (SW Bulgaria): implications for the Rhodope UHP Metamorphic Complex. Journal of Metamorphic Geology, 29 (3). 317-332 doi:10.1111/j.1525-1314.2010.00920.x	EMPA analysis ( State Geological Institute of Dionyz Stur in Bratislava).of an retrograde albite from a symplectite after clino-pyroxene from a kyanite-eclogite.
6	Kosavankovilpatti, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu, India	Yadav, Roopali; Prakash, Divya; Kumar Rai, Swapnil; K. Yadav, Manoj; Kumar Singh, Pradip; Jaiswal, Srishti (2021) Decompression Textures in Garnet–Cordierite Gneiss from Kosavankovilpatti, Southern India: Constraints from Reaction Textures and Phase Equilibria Modelling. Geologica Carpathica, 72 (4). doi:10.31577/geolcarp.72.4.1	Plagioclase from a granulite facies cordierite-garnet gneiss. EMPA analysis
7	Kawadgaon-Challanpara pegmatite field, Dantewada District, Chhattisgarh, India	Singh, Yamuna, Pandit, P. S. C., Bagora, Sanjay, Jain, P. K. (2017) Mineralogy, geochemistry, and genesis of co-genetic granite-pegmatite-hosted rare metal and rare earth deposits of the Kawadgaon area, Bastar craton, Central India. Journal of the Geological Society of India, 89 (2) 115-130 doi:10.1007/s12594-017-0574-2	Albite from granite pegmatite. EMPA analysis
8	Eudidymite-Epididymite locality, Vesle Arøya, Larvik Commune, Vestfold, Norway	Sjögren, H. (1899) A chemical investigation of some minerals from Lille Arøe and Øvre Arøe in the firth of Langesund. Bulletin of the Geological Institution of the University of Upsala, 4. 227-230	Wet-chemical
9	Hviteberget, Stokkøya, Larvik Commune, Vestfold, Norway	Brøgger, Waldemar Christofer (1890) Die Mineralien der Syenitpegmatitgänge der südnorwegischen Augit- und Nephelinsyenite. Zeitschrift für Krystallographie und Mineralogie, 16 (1). 1-893pp.521-522	Average of 3 wet-chemical analysis
10	Obidim eclogite, Bansko Municipality, Blagoevgrad Province, Bulgaria	Janák, M.; Froitzheim, N.; Georgiev, N.; Nagel, T. J.; Sarov, S. (2011) P-T evolution of kyanite eclogite from the Pirin Mountains (SW Bulgaria): implications for the Rhodope UHP Metamorphic Complex. Journal of Metamorphic Geology, 29 (3). 317-332 doi:10.1111/j.1525-1314.2010.00920.x	EMPA analysis ( State Geological Institute of Dionyz Stur in Bratislava).of an retrograde anorthite after kyanite from a kyanite-eclogite.
11	Kovalo eclogites, Kechros, Arriana, Rhodope, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Greece	Mposkos, E.; Baziotis, I.; Proyer, A. (2011) Pressure–temperature evolution of eclogites from the Kechros complex in the Eastern Rhodope (NE Greece). International Journal of Earth Sciences, 101 (4). 973-996 doi:10.1007/s00531-011-0699-2	EMPA analysis of plagioclase from a retrogressed eclogite.
12	Beluga sapphire property, Kimmirut, Baffin Island, Qikiqtaaluk Region, Nunavut, Canada	Belley, Philippe M., Dzikowski, Tashia J., Fagan, Andrew, Cempírek, Jan, Groat, Lee A., Mortensen, James K., Fayek, Mostafa, Giuliani, Gaston, Fallick, Anthony E., Gertzbein, Paul (2017) Origin Of Scapolite-Hosted Sapphire (Corundum) Near Kimmirut, Baffin Island, Nunavut, Canada. The Canadian Mineralogist, 55 (4) 669-699 doi:10.3749/canmin.1700018	variety oligoclase
13	Eissee eclogite, Timmelbach valley, Prägraten am Großvenediger, Lienz District, Tyrol, Austria	Hoschek, Gert (2004) Comparison of calculated P-T pseudosections for a kyanite eclogite from the Tauern Window, Eastern Alps, Austria. European Journal of Mineralogy, 16 (1) 59-72 doi:10.1127/0935-1221/2004/0016-0059	EMPA analysis of an albite inclusion in garnet from a kyanite-eclogite.
14	Corundum locality, Anavoha South, Fotadrevo Commune, Ampanihy District, Atsimo-Andrefana, Madagascar	Frank K. Mazdab Collection	corundum-bearing amphibolite (tschermakite+anorthite)

Crystal StructureHide

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Data courtesy of the American Mineralogist Crystal Structure Database. Click on an AMCSD ID to view structure

ID	Species	Reference	Year	Locality	Pressure (GPa)	Temp (K)
0000536	Albite	Prewitt C T, Sueno S, Papike J J (1976) The crystal structures of high albite and monalbite at high temperatures feldspar American Mineralogist 61 1213-1225	1976	synthetic	0	297
0000715	Albite	Winter J K, Okamura F P, Ghose S (1979) A high-temperature structural study of high albite, monalbite, and the analbite - monalbite phase transition American Mineralogist 64 409-423	1979	Tiburon, Marin County, California, USA	0	298
0012863	Albite	Gualtieri A F (2000) Accuracy of XRPD QPA using the combined Rietveld-RIR method Journal of Applied Crystallography 33 267-278	2000	Baveno, Novara, Italy	0	293
0002271	Albite	Meneghinello E, Alberti A, Cruciani G (1999) Order-disorder process in the tetrahedral sites af albite American Mineralogist 84 1144-1151	1999	Stintino, Sardinia, Italy	0	293
0002270	Albite	Meneghinello E, Alberti A, Cruciani G (1999) Order-disorder process in the tetrahedral sites af albite American Mineralogist 84 1144-1151	1999	Stintino, Sardinia, Italy	0	293
0002269	Albite	Meneghinello E, Alberti A, Cruciani G (1999) Order-disorder process in the tetrahedral sites af albite American Mineralogist 84 1144-1151	1999	Stintino, Sardinia, Italy	0	293
0002268	Albite	Meneghinello E, Alberti A, Cruciani G (1999) Order-disorder process in the tetrahedral sites af albite American Mineralogist 84 1144-1151	1999	Stintino, Sardinia, Italy	0	293
0002267	Albite	Meneghinello E, Alberti A, Cruciani G (1999) Order-disorder process in the tetrahedral sites af albite American Mineralogist 84 1144-1151	1999	Stintino, Sardinia, Italy	0	293
0002266	Albite	Meneghinello E, Alberti A, Cruciani G (1999) Order-disorder process in the tetrahedral sites af albite American Mineralogist 84 1144-1151	1999	Stintino, Sardinia, Italy	0	293
0002265	Albite	Meneghinello E, Alberti A, Cruciani G (1999) Order-disorder process in the tetrahedral sites af albite American Mineralogist 84 1144-1151	1999	Stintino, Sardinia, Italy	0	293
0002264	Albite	Meneghinello E, Alberti A, Cruciani G (1999) Order-disorder process in the tetrahedral sites af albite American Mineralogist 84 1144-1151	1999	Stintino, Sardinia, Italy	0	293
0001289	Anorthite	Angel R J, Carpenter M A, Finger L W (1990) Structural variation associated with compositional variation and order-disorder behavior in anorthite-rich feldspars sample #115082a American Mineralogist 75 150-162	1990	South of Blantyre, Nyasalad (Malawi)	0	293
0001288	Anorthite	Angel R J, Carpenter M A, Finger L W (1990) Structural variation associated with compositional variation and order-disorder behavior in anorthite-rich feldspars American Mineralogist 75 150-162	1990	Monte Somma, Italy	0	293
0001287	Anorthite	Angel R J, Carpenter M A, Finger L W (1990) Structural variation associated with compositional variation and order-disorder behavior in anorthite-rich feldspars American Mineralogist 75 150-162	1990	Monte Somma, Italy	0	293
0001286	Anorthite	Angel R J, Carpenter M A, Finger L W (1990) Structural variation associated with compositional variation and order-disorder behavior in anorthite-rich feldspars American Mineralogist 75 150-162	1990	Val Pasmeda, Austria	0	293
0001285	Albite	Armbruster T, Burgi H B, Kunz M, Gnos E, Bronnimann S, Lienert C (1990) Variation of displacement parameters in structure refinements of low albite American Mineralogist 75 135-140	1990	Roc Tourne, France	0	293
0001194	Anorthite	Angel R J (1988) High-pressure structure of anorthite American Mineralogist 73 1114-1119	1988	Val Pasmeda, Austria	0	293
0019661	Albite	FitzGerald J D, Parise J B, Mackinnon I D R (1986) Average structure of an An48 plagioclase from the Hogarth Ranges American Mineralogist 71 1399-1408	1986	Hogarth Ranges, northern New South Wales, Australia	0	293
0019660	Albite	FitzGerald J D, Parise J B, Mackinnon I D R (1986) Average structure of an An48 plagioclase from the Hogarth Ranges American Mineralogist 71 1399-1408	1986	Hogarth Ranges, northern New South Wales, Australia	0	293
0020641	Anorthite	Chiari G, Benna P, Bruno E (1984) The structure of bytownite (An85). A new refinement Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 169 35-49	1984	Traversella stock, Sesia Lanzo zone, Western Alps, Italy	0	293
0020640	Anorthite	Chiari G, Benna P, Bruno E (1984) The structure of bytownite (An85). A new refinement Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 169 35-49	1984	Traversella stock, Sesia Lanzo zone, Western Alps, Italy	0	293
0019656	Albite	Harlow G E (1982) The anorthoclase structures: The effects of temperature and composition American Mineralogist 67 975-996	1982	Kakanui, New Zealand	0	293
0019654	Albite	Harlow G E (1982) The anorthoclase structures: The effects of temperature and composition American Mineralogist 67 975-996	1982	Mt Gibele, Pantelleria Islands, Italy	0	293
0019652	Albite	Harlow G E (1982) The anorthoclase structures: The effects of temperature and composition American Mineralogist 67 975-996	1982	Grande Calderira, Azores	0	293
0019667	Anorthite	Wenk H R, Joswig W, Tagai T, Korekawa M, Smith B K (1980) The average structure of An 62-66 labradorite American Mineralogist 65 81-95	1980	Sissone, Bergell Alps, Switzerland	0	293
0019666	Anorthite	Wenk H R, Joswig W, Tagai T, Korekawa M, Smith B K (1980) The average structure of An 62-66 labradorite American Mineralogist 65 81-95	1980	Gordemo, Verzasca Valley, Switzerland	0	293
0019665	Anorthite	Wenk H R, Joswig W, Tagai T, Korekawa M, Smith B K (1980) The average structure of An 62-66 labradorite American Mineralogist 65 81-95	1980	Lake County, Oregon, USA	0	293
0019664	Anorthite	Wenk H R, Joswig W, Tagai T, Korekawa M, Smith B K (1980) The average structure of An 62-66 labradorite American Mineralogist 65 81-95	1980	Lake County, Oregon, USA	0	293
0019663	Anorthite	Wenk H R, Joswig W, Tagai T, Korekawa M, Smith B K (1980) The average structure of An 62-66 labradorite American Mineralogist 65 81-95	1980	Surtsey, Iceland	0	293
0019662	Anorthite	Wenk H R, Joswig W, Tagai T, Korekawa M, Smith B K (1980) The average structure of An 62-66 labradorite American Mineralogist 65 81-95	1980	Surtsey, Iceland	0	293
0019669	Anorthite	Facchinelli A, Bruno E, Chiari G (1979) The structure of bytownite quenched from 1723 K Acta Crystallographica B35 34-42	1979	satellite dyke, Traversella stock, Sesia Lanzo zone, Western Alps, Italy	0	293
0019668	Anorthite	Facchinelli A, Bruno E, Chiari G (1979) The structure of bytownite quenched from 1723 K Acta Crystallographica B35 34-42	1979	satellite dyke, Traversella stock, Sesia Lanzo zone, Western Alps, Italy	0	293
0019659	Albite	Phillips M W, Colville A A, Ribbe P H (1971) The crystal structures of two oligoclases: a comparison with low and high albite Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 133 43-65	1971	Camedo, Switzerland	0	293
0019658	Albite	Phillips M W, Colville A A, Ribbe P H (1971) The crystal structures of two oligoclases: a comparison with low and high albite Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 133 43-65	1971	Camedo, Switzerland	0	293
0001015	Albite	Smith J V, Artioli G (1986) Low albite, NaAlSi3O8: Neutron diffraction study of crystal structure at 13 K American Mineralogist 71 727-733	1986	Amelia, Virginia, USA	0	13
0020104	Anorthite	Wadoski-Romeijn E, Armbruster T (2013) Topotactic transformation and dehydration of the zeolite gismondine to a novel Ca feldspar structure American Mineralogist 98 1988-1997	2013	Rio Pian del Foco, Genova province, Italy	0	623
0000537	Albite	Prewitt C T, Sueno S, Papike J J (1976) The crystal structures of high albite and monalbite at high temperatures feldspar American Mineralogist 61 1213-1225	1976	synthetic	0	623
0019653	Albite	Harlow G E (1982) The anorthoclase structures: The effects of temperature and composition American Mineralogist 67 975-996	1982	Grande Calderira, Azores	0	673
0000716	Albite	Winter J K, Okamura F P, Ghose S (1979) A high-temperature structural study of high albite, monalbite, and the analbite - monalbite phase transition American Mineralogist 64 409-423	1979	Tiburon, Marin County, California, USA	0	773
0019655	Albite	Harlow G E (1982) The anorthoclase structures: The effects of temperature and composition American Mineralogist 67 975-996	1982	Mt Gibele, Pantelleria Islands, Italy	0	783
0000538	Albite	Prewitt C T, Sueno S, Papike J J (1976) The crystal structures of high albite and monalbite at high temperatures feldspar American Mineralogist 61 1213-1225	1976	synthetic	0	873
0019657	Albite	Harlow G E (1982) The anorthoclase structures: The effects of temperature and composition American Mineralogist 67 975-996	1982	Kakanui, New Zealand	0	1023
0000717	Albite	Winter J K, Okamura F P, Ghose S (1979) A high-temperature structural study of high albite, monalbite, and the analbite - monalbite phase transition American Mineralogist 64 409-423	1979	Tiburon, Marin County, California, USA	0	1023
0000539	Albite	Prewitt C T, Sueno S, Papike J J (1976) The crystal structures of high albite and monalbite at high temperatures feldspar American Mineralogist 61 1213-1225	1976	synthetic	0	1023
0000540	Albite	Prewitt C T, Sueno S, Papike J J (1976) The crystal structures of high albite and monalbite at high temperatures feldspar American Mineralogist 61 1213-1225	1976	synthetic	0	1223
0000720	Albite	Winter J K, Okamura F P, Ghose S (1979) A high-temperature structural study of high albite, monalbite, and the analbite - monalbite phase transition American Mineralogist 64 409-423	1979	Tiburon, Marin County, California, USA	0	1253
0000718	Albite	Winter J K, Okamura F P, Ghose S (1979) A high-temperature structural study of high albite, monalbite, and the analbite - monalbite phase transition American Mineralogist 64 409-423	1979	Tiburon, Marin County, California, USA	0	1253
0000719	Albite	Winter J K, Okamura F P, Ghose S (1979) A high-temperature structural study of high albite, monalbite, and the analbite - monalbite phase transition American Mineralogist 64 409-423	1979	Tiburon, Marin County, California, USA	0	1313
0000721	Albite	Winter J K, Okamura F P, Ghose S (1979) A high-temperature structural study of high albite, monalbite, and the analbite - monalbite phase transition American Mineralogist 64 409-423	1979	Tiburon, Marin County, California, USA	0	1333
0000541	Albite	Prewitt C T, Sueno S, Papike J J (1976) The crystal structures of high albite and monalbite at high temperatures feldspar American Mineralogist 61 1213-1225	1976	synthetic	0	1363
0000542	Albite	Prewitt C T, Sueno S, Papike J J (1976) The crystal structures of high albite and monalbite at high temperatures feldspar American Mineralogist 61 1213-1225	1976	synthetic	0	1378
0001195	Anorthite	Angel R J (1988) High-pressure structure of anorthite American Mineralogist 73 1114-1119	1988	Val Pasmeda, Austria	2.5	293
0001196	Anorthite	Angel R J (1988) High-pressure structure of anorthite American Mineralogist 73 1114-1119	1988	Val Pasmeda, Austria	3.1	293
0006694	Anorthite	Matsui T, Kimata M (1997) Crystal chemistry of synthetic Mn-bearing anorthite: Incorporation of MnAl2Si2O8 end-member into feldspar European Journal of Mineralogy 9 333-344	1997		0	293
0001683	Albite	Downs R T, Hazen R M, Finger L W (1994) The high-pressure crystal chemistry of low albite and the origin of the pressure dependency of Al-Si ordering American Mineralogist 79 1042-1052	1994		0	293
0001682	Albite	Downs R T, Hazen R M, Finger L W (1994) The high-pressure crystal chemistry of low albite and the origin of the pressure dependency of Al-Si ordering American Mineralogist 79 1042-1052	1994		0	293
0006424	Albite	Kroll H, Flogel J, Breit U, Lons J, Pentinghaus H (1991) Order and anti-order in Ge-substituted alkali feldspars European Journal of Mineralogy 3 739-749	1991		0	293
0006423	Albite	Kroll H, Flogel J, Breit U, Lons J, Pentinghaus H (1991) Order and anti-order in Ge-substituted alkali feldspars European Journal of Mineralogy 3 739-749	1991		0	293
0006422	Albite	Kroll H, Flogel J, Breit U, Lons J, Pentinghaus H (1991) Order and anti-order in Ge-substituted alkali feldspars European Journal of Mineralogy 3 739-749	1991		0	293
0000800	Albite	Harlow G E, Brown G E (1980) Low albite: An X-Ray and neutron diffraction study American Mineralogist 65 986-995	1980		0	293
0000799	Albite	Harlow G E, Brown G E (1980) Low albite: An X-Ray and neutron diffraction study American Mineralogist 65 986-995	1980		0	293
0000798	Albite	Harlow G E, Brown G E (1980) Low albite: An X-Ray and neutron diffraction study American Mineralogist 65 986-995	1980		0	293
0000797	Albite	Harlow G E, Brown G E (1980) Low albite: An X-Ray and neutron diffraction study American Mineralogist 65 986-995	1980		0	293
0000694	Albite	Keefer K D, Brown G E (1978) Crystal structures and compositions of sanidine and high albite in cryptoperthitic intergrowth Note this sample of feldspar is from the Rabb Canyon pegmatite, Grant County, New Mexico, USA American Mineralogist 63 1264-1273	1978		0	293
0016634	Anorthite	Klein S, Korekawa M (1976) Die gemittelte Struktur des Labradorits _cod_database_code 1008757 Neues Jahrbuch fur Mineralogie, Monatshefte 1976 66-69	1976		0	293
0010723	Anorthite	Wainwright J, Starkey J (1971) A refinement of the structure of anorthite _cod_database_code 1000034 Zeitschrift fur Kristallographie 133 75-84	1971		0	293
0000370	Anorthite	Foit F F, Peacor D R (1973) The anorthite crystal structure at 410 and 830 C American Mineralogist 58 665-675	1973		0	683
0000595	Albite	Winter J K, Ghose S, Okamura F P (1977) A high-temperature study of the thermal expansion and the anisotropy of the sodium atom in low albite American Mineralogist 62 921-931	1977		0	773
0000596	Albite	Winter J K, Ghose S, Okamura F P (1977) A high-temperature study of the thermal expansion and the anisotropy of the sodium atom in low albite American Mineralogist 62 921-931	1977		0	1023
0000371	Anorthite	Foit F F, Peacor D R (1973) The anorthite crystal structure at 410 and 830 C American Mineralogist 58 665-675	1973		0	1103
0000597	Albite	Winter J K, Ghose S, Okamura F P (1977) A high-temperature study of the thermal expansion and the anisotropy of the sodium atom in low albite American Mineralogist 62 921-931	1977		0	1243
0001684	Albite	Downs R T, Hazen R M, Finger L W (1994) The high-pressure crystal chemistry of low albite and the origin of the pressure dependency of Al-Si ordering American Mineralogist 79 1042-1052	1994		0.44	293
0001685	Albite	Downs R T, Hazen R M, Finger L W (1994) The high-pressure crystal chemistry of low albite and the origin of the pressure dependency of Al-Si ordering American Mineralogist 79 1042-1052	1994		1.22	293
0001686	Albite	Downs R T, Hazen R M, Finger L W (1994) The high-pressure crystal chemistry of low albite and the origin of the pressure dependency of Al-Si ordering American Mineralogist 79 1042-1052	1994		2.68	293
0001687	Albite	Downs R T, Hazen R M, Finger L W (1994) The high-pressure crystal chemistry of low albite and the origin of the pressure dependency of Al-Si ordering American Mineralogist 79 1042-1052	1994		3.78	293
0003798	Albite	Benusa M D, Angel R J, Ross N L (2005) Compression of albite, NaAlSi3O8 American Mineralogist 90 1115-1120	2005		6.489	293
0003799	Albite	Benusa M D, Angel R J, Ross N L (2005) Compression of albite, NaAlSi3O8 American Mineralogist 90 1115-1120	2005		8.411	293
0003800	Albite	Benusa M D, Angel R J, Ross N L (2005) Compression of albite, NaAlSi3O8 American Mineralogist 90 1115-1120	2005		9.431	293

CIF Raw Data - click here to close

Synonyms of PlagioclaseHide

Albite-Anorthite Series

Varieties of PlagioclaseHide

Barium-Albite

Feldspar group. A variety of Plagioclase with Albite 44%, Anorthite 42% and Celsian 14%.

Originally reported from Kaso Mine, Kanuma, Tochigi Prefecture, Kanto Region, Honshu Island, Japan.

Relationship of Plagioclase to other SpeciesHide

Member of:

Feldspar Group

Other Members of Feldspar Group:

Alkali Feldspar	A subgroup of the Feldspar Group, poor in calcium, and mostly rich in potassium.
Buddingtonite	(NH₄)(AlSi₃O₈)	Mon. 2 : P2₁
Celsian	Ba(Al₂Si₂O₈)	Mon. 2/m
Filatovite	K(Al,Zn)₂(As,Si)₂O₈	Mon. 2/m
Hexacelsian	BaAl₂Si₂O₈	Hex. 6/mmm (6/m 2/m 2/m) : P6₃/mcm
Kokchetavite	K(AlSi₃O₈)	Hex. 6/mmm (6/m 2/m 2/m) : P6/mcc
Kumdykolite	Na(AlSi₃O₈)	Orth. mmm (2/m 2/m 2/m) : Pnnm
Paracelsian	Ba(Al₂Si₂O₈)	Mon. 2/m : P2₁/b
Reedmergnerite	NaBSi₃O₈	Tric. 1 : P1
Slawsonite	Sr(Al₂Si₂O₈)	Mon. 2/m : P2₁/b
Svyatoslavite	Ca(Al₂Si₂O₈)	Mon. 2 : P2₁
'Unnamed (New Ordered Member of the Alkali Feldspar Series)'	KNa(Si₆Al₂)O₁₆	Mon. m

Plagioclase Members:

Albite	Na(AlSi₃O₈)	Tric. 1
Anorthite	Ca(Al₂Si₂O₈)	Tric. 1 : P1

Minerals structurally related to group:

Alkali Feldspar

A subgroup of the Feldspar Group, poor in calcium, and mostly rich in potassium.

Minerals chemically related to group:

Alkali Feldspar

A subgroup of the Feldspar Group, poor in calcium, and mostly rich in potassium.

Other InformationHide

Health Risks:

No information on health risks for this material has been entered into the database. You should always treat mineral specimens with care.

Plagioclase in petrologyHide

An essential component of rock names highlighted in red, an accessory component in rock names highlighted in green.

Internet Links for PlagioclaseHide

mindat.org URL:

https://www.mindat.org/min-9264.html
Please feel free to link to this page.

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Mineral Dealers:

Buy from D. Joyce minerals

References for PlagioclaseHide

Reference List:

Köhler, Alexander (1941) Die Abhängigkeit der Plagioklasoptik vom vorangegangenen Wärmeverhalten. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Mineralogie und Petrographie, 53 (1). 24-49 doi:10.1007/bf02952501

Köhler, Alexander (1941) Drehtischmessungen an Plagioklaszwillingen von Tief- und Hochtemperaturoptik. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Mineralogie und Petrographie, 53 (4). 159-179 doi:10.1007/bf02939511

Tertsch, H. (1942) Zur Hochtemperaturoptik basischer Plagioklase. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, Mineralogie und Petrographie, 54 (4). 193-217 doi:10.1007/bf02939464

Karl, F. (1954) Über Hoch-und Tieftemperaturoptik von Plagioklasen und deren petrographische und geologische Auswertung am Beispiel einiger alpiner Ergußgesteine. Tschermaks Mineralogische und Petrographische Mitteilungen, 4 (1). 320-328 doi:10.1007/bf01140403

Dawson, Kenneth Ralph; Maxwell, John Alfred (1958) Possible loss of sodium and potassium during fusion of plagioclase feldspars. The Canadian Mineralogist, 6 (2). 288-290

Snetsinger, Kenneth G. (1967) High-alumina allophane as a weathering product of plagioclase. American Mineralogist, 52 (1-2) 254-262

Dickson, F.W. (1968) Growth of K-feldspars and plagioclase by replacement processes in rock of the Papoose Flat pluton and in country rocks, Inyo Mountains, California. Geological Society of America Special Papers 101, Abstract for 1966: 53-54

Toman, K.; Frueh, A. J. (1973) On the centrosymmetry of intermediate plagioclases. Zeitschrift für Kristallographie, 138 (1-4). 337-342 doi:10.1524/zkri.1973.138.1-4.337

MacKenzie, W.S., Zussman, J., editors (1974) The Feldspars. Manchester University Press, U.K.

Smith, Robert K., Lofgren, Gary E. (1983) An analytical and experimental study of zoning in plagioclase. Lithos, 16 (2) 153-168 doi:10.1016/0024-4937(83)90012-9

Bohn, Hinrich L., Kittrick, James A. (1984) Stability diagram of Ca-Na-K-plagioclase with authigenic minerals. Chemical Geology, 43 (1-2). 181-186 doi:10.1016/0009-2541(84)90147-5

Carpenter, M.A., McConnell, J.D.C., Navrotsky, A. (1985) Enthalpies of ordering in the plagioclase feldspar solid solution. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 49 (4) 947-966 doi:10.1016/0016-7037(85)90310-2

Salje, E., Kuscholke, B., Wruck, B., Kroll, H. (1985) Thermodynamics of sodium feldspar II: Experimental results and numerical calculations. Physics and Chemistry of Minerals, 12 (2) 99-107 doi:10.1007/bf01046834

Redfern, Simon A. T., Salje, Ekhard (1987) Thermodynamics of plagioclase II: Temperature evolution of the spontaneous strain at the I-1 - P-1 phase transition in anorthite. Physics and Chemistry of Minerals, 14 (2). 189-195 doi:10.1007/bf00308224

Salje, E. (1987) Thermodynamics of plagioclases I: Theory of the I-1 - P-1 phase transition in anorthite and Ca-rich plagioclases. Physics and Chemistry of Minerals, 14 (2). p.181-188. doi:10.1007/bf00308223

Redfern, SimonA.T.; Graeme-Barber, Ann; Salje, Ekhard (1988) Thermodynamics of plagioclase III: Spontaneous strain at the I-1-P-1 phase transition in Ca-rich plagioclase. Physics and Chemistry of Minerals, 16 (2). 157-163 doi:10.1007/bf00203199

Redfern, SimonA.T. (1992) The effect of Al/Si disorder on the I-1 - P-1 Co-Elastic phase transition in Ca-rich plagioclase. Physics and Chemistry of Minerals, 19 (4). doi:10.1007/bf00202315

Weinbruch, Stephan, Müller, Wolfgang Friedrich (1995) Constraints on the cooling rates of chondrules from the microstructure of clinopyroxene and plagioclase. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 59 (15) 3221-3230 doi:10.1016/0016-7037(95)00210-q

Lee, Martin R., Thompson, Pauline, Poeml, Philipp, Parsons, Ian (2003) Peristeritic plagioclase in North Sea hydrocarbon reservoir rocks: Implications for diagenesis, provenance and stratigraphic correlation. American Mineralogist, 88 (5) 866-875 doi:10.2138/am-2003-5-616

Angel, R. J. (2004) Equations of state of Plagioclase Feldspars. Contributions to Mineralogy and Petrology, 146 (4) 506-512 doi:10.1007/s00410-003-0515-5

Jin, Shiyun; Xu, Huifang (2017) Investigations of the phase relations among e1, e2 and C-1 structures of Na-rich plagioclase feldspars: a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. Acta Crystallographica Section B Structural Science, Crystal Engineering and Materials, 73 (5). 992-1006 doi:10.1107/s2052520617010976

Jin, Shiyun; Wang, Xiaoping; Xu, Huifang (2018) Revisiting the I-1 structures of high-temperature Ca-rich plagioclase feldspar – a single-crystal neutron and X-ray diffraction study. Acta Crystallographica Section B Structural Science, Crystal Engineering and Materials, 74 (2). 152-164 doi:10.1107/s2052520618003219

Jin, Shiyun, Xu, Huifang, Wang, Xiaoping, Zhang, Dongzho, Jacobs, Ryan, Morgan, Dane (2019) The incommensurately modulated structures of volcanic plagioclase: displacement, ordering and phase transition. Acta Crystallographica Section B Structural Science, Crystal Engineering and Materials, 75 (4). 643-656 doi:10.1107/s2052520619006243

Moreira de Oliveira Jr, Montauban, Eon, Jean-Guillaume (2024) Maximal independence and symmetry in crystal chemistry of natural tectosilicates. Acta Crystallographica Section A Foundations and Advances, 80 (1). 52-64 doi:10.1107/s2053273323008665

Significant localities for PlagioclaseHide

Showing 41 significant localities out of 26,731 recorded on mindat.org.

This map shows a selection of localities that have latitude and longitude coordinates recorded. Click on the

symbol to view information about a locality. The

symbol next to localities in the list can be used to jump to that position on the map.

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Locality ListHide

- This locality has map coordinates listed.

- This locality has estimated coordinates. ⓘ - Click for references and further information on this occurrence. ? - Indicates mineral may be doubtful at this locality.

- Good crystals or important locality for species.

- World class for species or very significant. (TL) - Type Locality for a valid mineral species. (FRL) - First Recorded Locality for everything else (eg varieties). ~~Struck out~~ - Mineral was erroneously reported from this locality. Faded * - Never found at this locality but inferred to have existed at some point in the past (e.g. from pseudomorphs).

All localities listed without proper references should be considered as questionable.


Antarctica
East Antarctica Victoria Land Ross Archipelago Ross Island ⓘ Mount Erebus	[Albite var: Anorthoclase] Dov Bahat (1979) +2 other references

Bolivia
Cochabamba Chapare Province ⓘ Alto Chapare mining district	Petrov (n.d.)

Canada
Newfoundland and Labrador Labrador Nain Complex Paul Island ⓘ Ford Harbour	[Anorthite var: Labradorite] Dana et al. (1892)
Québec Abitibi-Témiscamingue La Vallée-de-l'Or RCM Réservoir-Dozois ⓘ Cabonga Reservoir	[Albite var: Oligoclase] Age of the Cabonga nepheline syenite +3 other references

Colombia
Caldas Department Salamina ⓘ Marmato mining district	[Albite var: Andesine] Tassinari et al. (2008)

France
Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Barcelonnette Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye ⓘ Tête de Toillies south-west slope (Col de la Blanche; Rocca Niera south-west slope)	[Albite] Piccoli (2002) +1 other reference
Forcalquier Saint-Maime ⓘ Saint-Maime mines	[Anorthite] Favreau G. et al. (2004)

Germany
Lower Saxony Goslar District Braunlage St Andreasberg ⓘ Catharina Neufang Mine	[Albite, Albite var: Zygadite] August Breithaupt (1843)

Italy
Campania Metropolitan City of Naples ⓘ Mount Somma	[Anorthite] Rose. G. (1823)
Piedmont Metropolitan City of Turin Fenestrelle ⓘ Punta Belvedere	[Albite] Piccoli et al. (2007)
Usseaux ⓘ Bergerie del Laux	[Albite] Giacomino et al. (1986) +1 other reference
Sicily Trapani Province ⓘ Pantelleria Island	[Albite var: Anorthoclase] [Foerstner] Förstner H. (1877) +18 other references

Spain
Community of Madrid ⓘ Cadalso de los Vidrios	[Albite] Garcia G. et al. (2004)

Sweden
Dalarna County Falun ⓘ Finnbo (Finbo)	[Albite] Gahn et al. (1815) +1 other reference
Stockholm County Stockholm ⓘ Danvikstull	[Albite var: Oligoclase] Clark (1993)

Switzerland
Valais Entremont Val de Bagnes Verbier ⓘ Pierre Avoi	[Albite] Erik Vercammen photo & specimen (Bought at the Fiesch-show in 2003)

USA
California San Diego County Pala Mining District Pala Chief Mountain Elizabeth R. Mine (Hazel W. claim) ⓘ Oceanview Mine (Oceanview adits; new Oceanview workings)	[Albite] Mauthner (2008)
Colorado Gunnison County Willow Creek Mining District ⓘ Seventy-Six shaft	[Albite var: Cleavelandite] The Williamson Southern Group National ...
Connecticut Fairfield County Redding Branchville ⓘ Fillow Quarry	[Albite, Albite var: Cleavelandite] Cameron et al (1954) +2 other references
Trumbull Long Hill ⓘ Corporate Drive	[Albite, Albite var: Oligoclase] Moritz (n.d.)
ⓘ Old Mine Park (Old Tungsten Mine)	[Albite] Hobbs (1901) +2 other references
Litchfield County Litchfield ⓘ Town Farm Road	[Albite] Brunet (1977)
Plymouth ⓘ Terryville	[Albite] Former Ed Force collection.
Middlesex County East Hampton ⓘ Anderson No. 1 Mica Mine	[Albite var: Cleavelandite] Shannon (1920) +1 other reference
Haddam Haddam Neck ⓘ Gillette Quarry (J-J Mine; Haddam Neck Quarry)	[Albite, Albite var: Cleavelandite] Bowman (1902) +2 other references
ⓘ State Route 9 Interchange 13 - Beaver Meadow Road	[Albite] Yedlin (1967)
ⓘ Timms Hill (Tim's Hill; Iolite Hill)	[Albite, Albite var: Oligoclase] Foye (1922)
Portland Collins Hill Strickland pegmatite ⓘ Strickland Quarry	[Albite, Albite var: Cleavelandite] USGS Professional Paper 255: 333-338. +3 other references
Tolland County Union ⓘ Interstate 84 (I-84; I-86; State Route 15; Wilbur Cross Highway)	[Albite] Bartsch (1940)
Massachusetts Bristol County Acushnet ⓘ Acushnet Quarry	[Albite] Cahoon (2005)
Hampshire County Chesterfield ⓘ Clark Ledge pegmatite locality	[Albite var: Cleavelandite] "Western Massachusetts Mineral ... +1 other reference
New Mexico Otero County ⓘ Orogrande Mining District (Jarilla Mining District)	[Albite] D.Court collection
Oregon Harney County ⓘ Sunstone Butte Mine	[Labradorite var: Oregon Sunstone] ‘David Carter’ Ex-collection +2 other references
Rhode Island Washington County Westerly Bradford ⓘ Sullivan Quarry (Armetta Quarry; Copar Quarry; Westerly Granite Co. Quarry)	[Albite, Albite var: Oligoclase] Miller (1971)

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