Feldspar: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The name 'feldspar' comes from the German word 'feldspat,' meaning 'field spar,' as it was often found in fields.
• The suffix 'spar' originally referred to minerals that can cleave, or split, easily.

Geology

• Feldspar makes up about 60% of the Earth's crust, making it one of the most abundant minerals.
• It is crucial for the formation of igneous and metamorphic rocks, including granite and gneiss.

Art and Industry

• In ceramics, feldspar is used as a flux to lower the melting point of the materials, helping to create pottery.
• Feldspar is also used in glass-making, giving glass its durability and smoothness.

Mineralogy

• Feldspar is categorized into three main types: orthoclase, plagioclase, and microcline, each with distinct properties.
• It can be identified by its two distinct cleavage planes and is usually light in color, ranging from white to pink.

Cultural References

• Feldspar's role in geology and mineralogy has made it a popular subject of study in educational institutions worldwide.
• In the art world, feldspar-infused glazes can create unique textures and colors, admired by artists and collectors alike.

Ranked #12,099, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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