Feldspar Value, Price, and Jewelry Informa on

Polished Samples of Plagioclase By Vassil (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Feldspars are the most common minerals at the Earth's surface. In fact, if the en re composi on of the Earth's crust were regarded as a single mineral, it wo
calculate out almost exactly as a feldspar.

Feldspar Value
Highest values go to color and transparency in sunstone. For labradorite, size and strength of phenomena are the primary factors.

The Interna onal Gem Society (IGS) has a list of businesses offering gemstone appraisal services.

Bytownite Value via Gem Price Guide

Faceted 1 to 3 carats

TO   /ct

See the en re Gem Price Guide.

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 Moonstone Value via Gem Price Guide

Rainbow Moonstone (Peristerite) .5 to .99 carats 1 to 7 carats

Cabochons    to   /ct    to   /ct

Labradorite 10 to 30 carats

Cabochons    to   /ct

See the en re Gem Price Guide.

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Oregon Sunstone Value via Gem Price Guide

See the Oregon Sunstone Buying Guide for even more informa on.
Schiller
Color Intensity: Light, medium, deep

Color Range: Clear, gold, peach, coral, orange, red, green

Transparency: Translucent to Opaque

The price range is consistently between   -   per carat regardless of size or color.
Clear Hues
See the en re Gem Price Guide.

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Sunstone Value via Gem Price Guide

Red, Green & Bicolored .10 to .99 carats 1 to 100 carats

SI to clean    to   /ct    to   /ct

Peach .5 to 20 carats

SI to clean    to   /ct.

See the en re Gem Price Guide.

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Feldspar Informa on
DATA VALUE
 DATA VALUE

Name Feldspar

Varie es Albite, Peristerite, Andesine, Anorthite, Bytownite, Labradorite, Microcline, Amazonite, Oligoclase, Oregon Sunstone, Orthoclase, Adularia, Moonstone, San
Perthite, Sunstone

Crystallography  Varies by group member. Microcline: Triclinic; Orthoclase: Monoclinic; Sanidine/Anorthoclase: Monoclinic; Plagioclase: Triclinic.

Refrac ve Index  Varies by group member, 1.508-1.590. See "Iden fying Characteris cs" below.

Colors  Pink, white, gray, brown

Luster  Vitreous, pearly, dull,

Polish Luster  Vitreous, greasy,

Fracture Luster  Vitreous, pearly

Fracture  Conchoidal, uneven, splintery

Hardness  6 - 6.5

Specific Gravity  2.54-2.77

Birefringence  Varies by group member, 0.003-0.013. See "Iden fying Characteris cs" below.

Cleavage  Perfect 2 direc ons

Luminescence  Varies by group member. Found in microcline, orthoclase, some mes in albite, See "Iden fying Characteris cs" below.

Enhancements  Diffusion (some mes red andesite/labradorite); Wax impregna on, irradia on (microcline); dark coa ng on back (orthoclase).

Transparency  Transparent to opaque.

Absorp on Orthoclase has a strong line at 4200, bands at 4450 and 4200. Others not diagnos c.
Spectrum 

Phenomena  Adularescence, asterism, aventurescence, chatoyancy, iridescence, labradorescence, schiller,

Pleochroism  Usually none, but notable in labradorites, be er developed in darker stones.

Op cs  Biaxial (+/-). See "Iden fying Characteris cs" below.

Comments

Feldspars are the most common minerals at the Earth’s surface. In fact, if the en re composi on of the Earth’s crust were regarded as a single mineral, it wo
calculate out almost exactly as a feldspar.

The feldspars are complex aluminosilicate minerals containing K, Na, and Ca, with some rarer types rich in Ba. The structures of these species are very simil
However, most feldspars crystallize from a melt in igneous rocks. The structures at high temperatures are different from those at low temperatures. In addi
various composi ons that may exist at high temperatures may not be stable at low temperatures. When a feldspar cools, it may segregate internally into se
mineral crystals, one type oriented within the other according to the symmetry of the host crystal. The specific type of intergrowth, composi on of the min
involved, and the size of the included crystals all depend on the original high-temperature composi on and the cooling history of the feldspar, which may b
complex. It is easy to see why it may take years for a mineralogist simply to understand the complexi es of the feldspar group, let alone contribute new dat

FELDSPAR: Orthoclase, Madagascar, (4.98),

Zimbabwe (1.23), Sri Lanka (1.5), Madagascar
(2.5). Photo © Joel E. Arem, PhD, FGA. Used
with permission.
These complica ons, while both troublesome and intriguing to mineralogists, are not cri cal to gemological discussions. We may therefore simplify the disc
to a summary of the basic feldspar species and their proper es, insofar as these are relevant to gemstones.

Potassium Feldspars: These all have the composi on KAISi3O but differ in structure. Orthoclase is monoclinic; sanidine and anorthoclase are also monoclinic,
distribu ons of atoms within the structures are dis nc ve and different from each other and orthoclase. Microcline is triclinic. The proper es are summarize
table below. Sanidine and Anorthoclase contain appreciable sodium.

Plagioclase Feldspars: The term plagioclase indicates a solid-solu on series, ranging in composi on from albite (NaAISi3O8) to anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8); for
convenience the series was long ago arbitrarily divided into six dis nct species as follows: albite (Ab); oligoclase (Og); andesine (Ad); labradorite (La); bytownit
anorthite (An). The series is divided according to the rela ve percentages of albite vs. anorthite:

The op cal parameters vary nearly linearly with composi on, but because of the structural complexi es, X-ray diffrac on work is usually advised in iden fi
of plagioclase feldspar. Most plagioclase crystals are twinned according to various laws related to the crystal structures and also the distribu on of atoms in
structures. Zoning is common and is due to varia on in the growth history of the crystals and to the fact that, in a magma, the composi on of the melt chan
crystalliza on proceeds and minerals are extracted from the molten mass. The proper es of a plagioclase crystal may therefore vary widely within a small g
Plagioclases also are o en clouded, that is, contain dust like par cles of other minerals, including spinel, ru le, garnet, magne te, clinozoisite, muscovite.

Composi ons within the feldspar group are complicated by the fact that K may enter the plagioclase structure or Na the orthoclase structure. The resul ng
composi ons are known as ternary (three-component) feldspars. In addi on, as in the plagioclase series itself, high-temperature mixed feldspar composi on
stable, but at low temperatures un mixing occurs, that is, a segrega on of the potassic and sodic molecules into separate feldspar phases, one distributed w
the other. This creates such oddi es as perthites (mixtures of albite with oligoclase or orthoclase), sunstone, moonstone, and peristerites, which are albite-olig
mixtures. The presence of feldspar lamellae in another feldspar gives rise to the Schiller effect, an iridescence due to light refrac on. Schiller is best develope
labradorites, crea ng a lovely color play in shades of green, blue, gold and yellow. The color may be uniform or vary within a single feldspar crystal.

Most feldspar crystals are tabular and fla ened and (in the case of plagioclase) usually complexly twinned. All the plagioclases are triclinic, and all the feldsp
have excellent cleavage in two direc ons. The luster is vitreous, inclining to pearly on the cleavages. Feldspars are some mes massive, cleavable, or granula

Microcline may be colorless, white, pink, yellow, red, gray, or green to blue-green. The la er color is popular in gem circles, and the blue-green variety know
amazonite is widely cut into cabochons, beads, and carvings. Orthoclase is usually colorless, white, gray, yellow, reddish, and greenish, whereas sanidine is c
pinkish, or brownish. The plagioclases are all colorless, white, or gray, although the drabness is o en broken by spectacular Schiller effects. Moonstones ma
colored by impuri es such as goethite (brown).

Comments by Don Clark, CSM IMG

Feldspars are our most common mineral, making up over 99% of the earth’s crust. Their forma on is one of the most complex in nature. Formed from igneo
melts, both their crystal habits and chemistry vary according to the temperature at which they are formed and it o en changes during cooling.

When a feldspar cools, it may internally segregate into separate crystals with different proper es. These are not easily dis nguished, but a single stone may
layers of orthoclase, plagioclase and other feldspars. This process is called unmixing and is how blends are created. The layering of different species results
twinning.

Color zoning is also common, but it has slightly different cause. The chemistry of the magma in which they form, changes as the crystalliza on proceeds. Th
contributes to differing blends, but is the sole cause of zoning.

It is the twinning of different species, with layers of different op cal proper es, that creates the spectacular phenomena these gems are famous for. When
a beau ful moonstone or labradorite, it is a result of this complex forma on process.

In general, we speak of microcline, orthoclase and plagioclase feldspars. While microcline and orthoclase are unique species, plagioclase is a solid state serie
six individual species. As with garnets, these are rarely found in their pure states, but are blended with other species.
The number of combina ons are high and iden fica on requires careful a en on. You can find blends, not only within the plagioclase series, but plagioclas
any other feldspar. They also mix with other minerals, like emerald and jadeite.

Hints for Easier Iden fica on of Feldspars by Don Clark, CSM IMG

Labradorescence is a feature of labradorite, from which it gets its name. You will find labradorescence in translucent to opaque stones, but not transparent
Schiller is only found in transparent gems. These are sunstones.

Most plagioclase are twinned and zoning is common.

Also remember to dis nguish between orthoclase, (OR-tho-klase,) which is an individual species and oligoclase, (oh-LIG-oh-klase,) which is in the plagioclas

Moonstone is an orthoclase feldspar and amazonite is microcline. All other feldspars are in the plagioclase series.

Excep ons: Moonstone is usually an orthoclase feldspar, but occasionally it is a labradorite. The RI will easily separate them..

Labradorite is the most common faceted feldspar.

Excep on: Sunstone can be labradorite or oligoclase. To dis nguish them, both the op c sign and the RI vary.

Excep on: There are a few transparent orthoclase, but the RI will easily separate them. You may find transparent gems in the plagioclase series that are
described as something other than oligoclase or labradorite, (I.E. albite or andesine.) These will be valued the same as sunstone.

The primary data to separate species is the refrac ve index. You will o en be using spot readings, which can be inaccurate. Fortunately, you can use the sto
appearance for much of your diagnos cs. There is an overlap in the RI is between the low of oligoclase and the high of orthoclase and microcline. To put
another way, the overlap is between sunstone, moonstone and amazonite. These stones look considerably different, so use their appearance to verify your

Excep on: This does not apply to transparent gems, but you can get more accurate RI readings on transparent stones.

Varie es of Feldspar We Recommend Reading About

1. Orthoclase

Orthoclase is best known for moonstone. It is occasionally a transparent, faceted gem.

Source Hardhigh Hardlow SGhigh SGlow RIhigh RIlow Birefringence Op cSign

Natural 6.5 6 2.61 2.55 1.536 1.508 .005 – .008 B-Agg

Note that moonstone is occasionally a labradorite. If you find a moonstone that does not have this RI or SG, see the note under labradorite.

2. Microcline

The only microcline you are likely to encounter is amazonite.

Source Hardhigh Hardlow SGhigh SGlow RIhigh RIlow Birefringence Op cSign

Natural 6.5 6 2.58 2.54 1.534 1.518 .008 B-Agg

3. Plagioclase

Sunstone and labradorite are the important plagioclase gems.

Plagioclase is not a single species, but a solid state series that runs from albite, (NaAlSi3O8) to anothrite, (CaAl2Si2O8). They are described as six species ra
from albite, to oligoclase, andesine, labradorite and bytonite to anothrite; this in order of their rela ve percentages of albite and anothrite.

K may enter plagioclase and Na the orthoclase structure. These are called ternary, (three component,) feldspars. Albite/orthoclase and albite/oligoclase mix
are possible in the same crystal, which are called perthites. Sunstone, moonstone and peristerite are examples of albite/oligoclase feldspars.

Species Hardhigh Hardlow SGhigh SGlow RIhigh RIlow Birefringence Op cSign

 Albite 6.5 6 2.69 2.57 1.527 1.538 .011 B+Agg

Oligoclase 6.5 6 2.67 2.62 1.549 1.542 .007 B-Agg

Andesine 6.5 6 2.69 2.65 1.551 1.543 .008 B+/-Agg

Labradorite 6.5 6 2.72 2.69 1.572 1.560 .012 B+Agg

Bytonite 6.5 6 2.75 2.72 1.570 1.561 .009 B-Agg

Anothrite 6.5 6 2.77 2.75 1.590 1.577 .013 B-Agg

It is not always possible to make a posi ve dis nc on between the species with standard gemological instruments. Hence, we usually list plagioclase gems
either oligoclase or labradorite. This is a standard procedure that is used by most major gemological associa ons.

Oligoclase

Species Hardhigh Hardlow SGhigh SGlow RIhigh RIlow Birefringence Op cSign

Oligoclase 6.5 6 2.67 2.63 1.551 1.531 007 – .010 B-Agg

Labradorite (LAB-ra-door-ite)

Species Hardhigh Hardlow SGhigh SGlow RIhigh RIlow Birefringence Op cSign

Labradorite 6.5 6 2.75 2.65 1.573 1.554 .007 – .010 B+Agg

There is also a labradorite moonstone, which is found only in Madagascar. It has an RI of 1.550 – 1.553, which is lower than other labradorites, but higher t
orthoclase moonstones. The birefringence is .008 – .010 and the specific gravity is 2.70.

5. Plagioclase Series Gems

Formula: varies between NaAlSi3O8 and CaAl2Si2O8

Crystallography: Triclinic

Colors:

Labradorite usually dark GRAY or BLACK, also COLORLESS GREEN YELLOW ORANGE BROWN BROWNISH RED

Oligoclase COLORLESS YELLOW ORANGE BROWN LIGHT GREEN GRAY

Transparency: Transparent to Opaque

Pleochroism: Usually none

Yellow stones; colorless and light yellow

Red-orange and blue-green bicolored; bluish green/light red-violet/reddish orange.

Bluish green; bluish green/light orange/colorless

 Red-orange; orange/ light reddish purple

Orange; orange/reddish orange

Yellowish green; bluish green/light orange

Blue green; red-violet/reddish orange/bluish green

Violet; red-violet/reddish orange/bluish green

UV long: Inert to weak patchy white

UV short: Inert to weak patchy white

Absorp on Spectrum: Not diagnos c

Polish Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Fracture: Uneven to splintery

Fracture Luster: Pearly to vitreous

Cleavage: Perfect and easy in two direc ons, par ng common

Phenomena: Labradorescence, adventurescence. Rare chatoyancy or asterism in labradorite

Toughness: Poor

Size: Labradorite to large Oligoclase to 5 carats

Rarity: Common

Heat Sensi ve: Yes

Enhancements: Some red andesine/labradorite feldspars are diffusion treated. Detect with immersion. Common, stable.

Iden fying Characteris cs

Labradorite, labradorescence, repeated twinning, black needle like inclusions

Sunstone, reddish or golden platelets with metallic luster

Variety Names

Spectrolite, labradorite with strong labradorescence

Sunstone, labradorite or oligoclase with schiller.

Sunstone also refers to transparent labradorite.

Adventurine, labradorite or oligoclase with adventurescence

Albite, usually colorless but some mes yellow, pink, gray or reddish. Translucent albite is some me colored green by chrome jadeite. It is also a compon
trapiche emeralds.

Peristerite is primarily oligoclase with a complex mixture of feldspars. It has iridescence that is either blue or white.
 Sanadine is uncommon and rarely seen as a gem. While occasionally brown, most examples are colorless While the proper es are closer to microclin
usually classed as a plagioclase. RI 1.516 to 1.526, SG 2.57 – 2.58, birefringence .003 – .005

Perthite is a blend of microcline, albite and oligoclase. It is usually brown and white. May have gold or white iridescence.

Misnomer

Rainbow moonstone, colorless labradorite with mul colored labradorescence

Phenomenal Feldspar Gems by Don Clark, CSM IMG

Phenomenal terms are o en used incorrectly. You need to both familiarize yourself with their correct usage and be aware that others may be using them
indiscriminately. See Phenomenal Gems for more informa on.

SchillerSchiller results from reflec ons off inclusions. It is only found in transparent gems.

LabradorescenceLabradorescence is a flash of color caused by the interference of light. It is found on the surface of opa
stones.

AdularescenceAdularescence is a light floa ng inside a stone. It is found in transparent and translucent gems.

Proper es of the Potassium Feldspars

Microcline Orthoclase Sanidine/

Anorthoclase
Crystallography Triclinic Monoclinic Monoclinic

Twinning

Hardness 6-6.5 6-6.5 6

Density 2.54-2.63 2.55-2.63 2.56-2.62

Op cs

a 1.514-1.529 1.518-1.529 1.518-1.527

β 1.518-1.533 1.522 -1.533 1.522-1.533

γ 1.521-1.539 1.522-1.539 1.522-1.534

sign (-) (-) (-)

2V 66-103° 33-103° 18-54°

Dispersion – 0.012 –

Spectral none dis nct strong 4200 line; none dis nct

Luminescence yellow-green in LW; inert SW, green in bands at 4550, 4200 weak blue in LW or orange in SW; white to violet not reported
X-rays in X-rays.

Proper es of Plagioclase Feldspars

Albite Oglioclase Andesine Labradorite Bytownite Anorthite

Hardness of all species = 6-6.5

Density 2.57-2.69 2.62-2.67 2.65-2.69 2.69-2.72 2.72-2.75 2.75-2.77

Op cs

a 1.527 1.542 1.543 1.560 1.561 1.577

β 1.531 1.546 1.548 1.563 1.565 1.585

γ 1.538 1.549 1.551 1.572 1.570 1.590

sign (+) (-) (+/-) (+) (-) (-)

 2V 77° 82° 76-86° 85° 86° 70°

Birefringence 0.011 0.007 0.008 0.012 0.009 0.013

Summary of Proper es

Orthoclase – Moonstone

Source Hardhigh Hardlow SGhigh SGlow RIhigh RIlow Birefringence Op cSign

Natural 6.5 6 2.61 2.55 1.536 1.508 .005 – .008 B-Agg

Microcline – Amazonite

Source Hardhigh Hardlow SGhigh SGlow RIhigh RIlow Birefringence Op cSign

Natural 6.5 6 2.58 2.54 1.534 1.518 .008 B-Agg

Oligoclase – Sunstone

Species Hardhigh Hardlow SGhigh SGlow RIhigh RIlow Birefringence Op cSign

oligoclase 6.5 6 2.67 2.63 1.551 1.531 007 – .010 B-Agg

Labradorite – Sunstone and Labradorite

Species Hardhigh Hardlow SGhigh SGlow RIhigh RIlow Birefringence Op cSign

Labradorite 6.5 6 2.75 2.65 1.573 1.554 .007 – .010 B+Agg

by Joel E. Arem, Ph.D., FGA

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