What is ortoclasa?

Orthoclase is a type of feldspar mineral that is commonly found in granites, syenites, and other igneous rocks. It has a hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale and a specific gravity of 2.5-2.6.

Orthoclase is usually white, but can range in color from pink to tan or greenish-yellow. It has a distinctive cleavage that makes it easy to break into thin, flat sheets.

Orthoclase is an important industrial mineral and is used in the production of ceramics, glass, and porcelain. It is also used as an abrasive and as a component in some cleaning products.

In gemology, orthoclase is sometimes referred to as "moonstone" when it displays a distinctive adularescence or "schiller" effect, which is caused by light reflecting off of internal mineral layers. Moonstone is commonly used in jewelry.