加工...
Microcline Gemstone: Properties, Meanings, Value & More
微斜宝石:属性、意义、价值等
该文本是机器翻译的。 显示原件?

加工...

microcline gemstoneMicrocline (pronounced MY-kroh-klyne) is a common, but not so well-known feldspar. It’s often used as a semi-precious gemstone under the names amazonite, perthite, and some of its other variations — all with their own unique appearances!

Is microcline rare or common? It’s actually one of the most common feldspar minerals, occurring in igneous rocks like granite, syenite, and granodiorite. 

A number of feldspar minerals are rich in potassium (K), making them K-feldspars. Is microcline the same as K-feldspar? Yes! Microcline, orthoclase, adularia, and sanidine are all different K-rich minerals within the feldspar family!

What is microcline used for and where can you find it today? Learn all there is to know about the unique and versatile mineral in our Microcline Gemstone Guide! 

microcline gemstoneImage credit: Rob Lavinsky, iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

About Microcline Stone

Microcline gets its name from Greek μικρός (mikron) meaning “little” and κλίνειν (klinein) meaning “to incline”. The name references the slight deviation from 90° of microcline’s intersecting cleavages.

Although microcline isn’t technically an official zodiac stone, it’s believed to have a special association to Libras in astrology. The amazonite variety is also an alternate birthstone for December

You might be surprised to learn that you probably have microcline in your home and don’t even know it! Many builders use granite in their interior and exterior designs — especially for countertops. For those that are unfamiliar with granite, it’s a common, coarse-grained, hard igneous rock consisting mainly of quartz, mica, or microcline!

Like other alkali feldspars, microcline is also commonly used in glassmaking and ceramics. 

But what does microcline look like?

Microcline Specifications & Characteristics

Microcline is a potassium aluminum silicate with a chemical formula of K(AlSi3O8).

A form of alkali feldspar, microcline colors vary widely among its variations, which is why you’ll note such a wide range of hues in its mineral properties — but more on the different types of microcline in a bit.

Microcline is mostly found as small crystals within plutonic igneous rocks; however, larger crystals can be found in pegmatites. In fact, microcline is known to form the biggest crystals of any mineral. Additionally, triclinic feldspars like microcline often twin (two crystals intergrown symmetrically), so they’re often sold in pairs. 

Here’s an overview of microcline’s mineral data:

  • Mineral family: Feldspar group

  • Mohs hardness: 6 to 6.5 

  • Color: White, gray, grayish-yellow, yellow, tan, pink, bluish-green, green

  • Crystal structure: Triclinic

  • Luster: Vitreous

  • Transparency: Translucent to opaque

  • Refractive index: 1.52 to 1.53 

  • Density: 2.54 to 2.57

  • Cleavage: Perfect {001}; Good {010}

  • Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven

  • Streak: White

  • Luminescence: Fluorescent - Green in LW-UV, blue to violet-red in MW-UV, and red to bluish-white to violet-red in SW-UV

  • Pleochroism: None

Microcline also shares the same chemical composition as orthoclase. However, in terms of orthoclase vs. microcline, there are a couple of key differences. 

For one, orthoclase is a high-temperature monoclinic polymorph of k-spar with a partially ordered structure. Conversely, microcline is a medium-low temperature triclinic polymorph of k-spar with a highly ordered structure. 

As promised, let’s meet some of microcline’s many varieties! 

microcline gemstonePictured: Amazonite

Types of Microcline

You may not have heard of microcline but probably know some of its siblings. Here are some varieties of microcline gemstones you might recognize:

Amazonite

Amazonite is a beautiful green to bluish microcline variety. It mainly comes from the Pike’s Peak and Crystal Peak areas of Colorado, USA.

Chesterlite

Chesterlite is a white to beige minor variety of microcline only found in Pennsylvania, USA. 

Ferruginous Microcline

This rare microcline variety is rich in iron and appears in red, reddish-brown, or pinkish-red. It’s believed to come from Michigan, USA. 

Hyalophane

Hyalophane is a transparent, colorless, barium-rich variety. It originally came from Switzerland and has also been found in Australia, Bosnia, Germany, Japan, and the USA.

Perthite

Perthite isn’t so much a variety of microcline but an intergrowth of albite or oligoclase within microcline (or occasionally within orthoclase). It was originally discovered in Canada.

So is microcline the same as amazonite and its other varieties? Kind of! Each is part of the microcline species but has its own color (usually due to impurities present during its formation). 

Time to peek into microcline’s journey through time! 

Microcline Meaning & History

Microcline was discovered in 1830 by German mineralogist, Johann Friedrich August Breithaupt. He’s credited with naming the mineral after discovering it in Norway’s very first naval base, Fredriksvern. 

Microcline isn’t a mainstream mineral today, but that wasn’t always the case! In Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, it was commonly used for both jewelry and ornamentation. Beaded amazonite was even found in King Tut’s tomb! 

Microcline is no stranger to the small screen either. If you were a fan of The Weather Channel’s mid-2000s show Prospectors, a docuseries that followed different miners in the Colorado Rockies, you may recall episodes featuring the Dorris Family mining for smoky quartz and amazonite! 

Today, microcline is mostly used in the manufacture of porcelain. First, it’s very finely ground and blended with kaolin (a type of clay) and quartz. When heated, the feldspar fuses and acts as a cement binding the materials together. 

Fused feldspar is also the main component in the glaze for ceramics. Sometimes, it’s also used for supplying alumina when manufacturing glass.

How about we shift gears and dive into microcline’s metaphysical properties next? 

microcline healing crystal with spessartite garnet

Microcline Healing Properties

Like most gems, microcline’s appearance and energies allow it to be used as a powerful healing stone aiding your physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. 

Microcline’s crystal meaning is one of clarity, balance, and restoration. It supports recovery and regeneration in all aspects of the body. 

Curious about how microcline can support your body and soul? Then keep reading!

Physical Healing

Physically, microcline is believed to treat eye disorders and fevers. It’s also purported to help regulate water retention and ease childbirth in women.

Amazonite is also thought to relieve muscle spasms, normalize calcium levels, and relieve stress or exhaustion.

Emotional Healing

Among the common microcline uses for crystal healers, a popular one is stimulating clarity of thought. Microcline can enhance your understanding, helping you make decisions more confidently. It also improves your ability to cooperate with others.

Similarly, amazonite calms emotions and soothes nerves. It can enable you to express yourself more freely. It’s said that the deeper its color, the more intense its powers. 

Chakra Healing

Some crystals are believed to support one or more of your chakras (energy centers along your body). These chakra stones help keep your chakral body in balance. When out of balance, certain physical and emotional symptoms manifest. 

Each variety of microcline crystal is associated with a different chakra. However, energy healers mainly utilize amazonite — which is attuned to the heart and throat chakras. 

By stimulating your heart chakra, amazonite helps you overcome external pressures, allowing you to find acceptance. Meanwhile, amazonite stimulating your throat chakra enables you to strengthen your voice to better express your thoughts and feelings. 

Next, what properties should you keep in mind when shopping for microcline? 

orange microcline amazonite gemstone

Microcline Gemstone Properties

While microcline is industrially popular in manufacturing glass and ceramics, you’re more likely to come across amazonite in the realm of gem collecting as this variety is what’s used for gemstones. 

Amazonite is graded by the common standards of gemstone grading: clarity, color, cut, and carat weight.

Color

Amazonite’s true beauty lies in its vibrant colors, which may result from lead and water existing within the stone. It usually appears in light green, yellow-green, bright green, and vivid blue-green. Its vivid blue-green variety, which makes for beautiful jewelry, is amazonite’s most valuable and sought-after hue. 

Some spheres and cabochons have been known to display noticeable chatoyancy (a distinct reflective effect).  

Amazonite often contains whitish streaks and marble-like veining, which ranges in intensity. Generally, the less white there is, the higher the value. 

Cut

Amazonite is typically cut en cabochon, emphasizing its luster and color. However, it can also be faceted to add texture and depth to its appearance. 

In terms of shape, amazonite can generally be faceted into any shape, including round, square, pear, oval, and other popular cuts. Microcline’s hardness and abundance also make it ideal for figurines and carvings.

Rough, or uncut, microcline is more affordable and widely available for purchase. 

Clarity, Transparency & Luster

Technically, amazonite is opaque to translucent. However, it’s very rarely found transparent. When polished, it has a waxy, “wet” luster that captures your eye and draws your fingertips to its surface.

Amazonite has a varying clarity, sometimes forming with white threads and occasional dark spots from inclusions (often of other feldspars) inside.

Carat Weight & Size

Microcline is often found in large deposits — the same goes for amazonite. This makes cutting large gems from rough specimens fairly easy. 

As with most gems, amazonite is priced per carat. The larger the stone, the higher the weight and value.  

Rough microcline is often priced in pounds or ounces. 

With grading squared away, why don’t we explore where microcline comes from?

microcline amazonite raw crystal cluster

Microcline Formation & Sources

Microcline is a low-temperature K–feldspar stable at temperatures lower than 500°C. It often occurs in acidic, alkali-rich plutonic rocks, as well as in pegmatites, granites, syenites, and schists. 

Most of the time, microcline forms as a result of feldspar recrystallizing. Occasionally, it also forms via direct crystallization from magma and other hydrothermal processes.

Geographically, where is microcline found?

Mining Locations

Within the United States, you can find microcline feldspar in:

  • California

  • Colorado (amazonite)

  • Maine

  • New York

  • North Carolina

  • South Dakota (perthite)

  • Virginia (finest amazonite in the USA)

Other microcline localities include:

  • Australia

  • Brazil (most commercial amazonite)

  • Burma (amazonite)

  • Canada (perthite)

  • Germany

  • India (amazonite)

  • Italy

  • Japan

  • Norway (perthite)

  • Russia

  • South Africa

  • Sweden

  • Vietnam (amazonite)

Rather leave the mining to the pros and purchase microcline from a trusted gem retailer (like us)? Then let’s talk price! 

microcline amazonite gemstone earrings

Microcline Price & Value

Cabochons and faceted microcline gems generally cost around $0.26 to $0.40 per carat, the price increasing with quality.

Rough, uncut microcline is widely available and usually more affordable. Prices range from $0.13 to $0.32 per gram. High-quality specimens can retail for over $0.87 per gram. 

Jewelry featuring microcline varieties also varies in price depending on what kind of metal settings and additional gems are used. 

On average, the price of a microcline necklace ranges anywhere between $34 to $150, with more luxury pieces fetching prices as high as $560. 

Rings average between $12 and $65 but can be found for as low as $10 and as high as $1219. 

Beaded microcline bracelets typically cost between $21 and $66. Higher-end microcline bracelets can cost several hundreds of dollars.

Now that you’re ready to splurge on some microcline crystals of your own, it’s time to master caring for your gemstones

Microcline Care and Maintenance

Microcline is fairly durable, but it’s not immune to damage. 

Always store your microcline in a safe place (like a soft velvet pouch) away from harder gems that can cause fractures or scratches.  

Avoid engaging in vigorous, impact-prone activities while wearing microcline, and always ensure your jewelry implements protective settings.

To be safe, avoid:

  • Ultrasonic cleaners

  • Harsh chemicals

  • Detergents

  • Sudden temperature changes

Simplicity works best when cleaning your microcline. Just use mild soap, water, and a soft-bristled brush to safely clean your gems. 

Clear Your Mind with Microcline!

There’s so much more to microcline than meets the eye! 

Each microcline has its own unique look and energy that resonates with your mind, body, and soul. With so many gem varieties of this unsung feldspar, you’re sure to find the perfect one that speaks to exactly who you are. 

Ready to find your perfect microcline?

Buy microcline and other marvelous gemstones today!

微斜宝石 Microcline(发音为 MY-kroh-klyne)是一种常见但不太知名的长石。它通常被用作半宝石,名称为天河石、珍珠岩和它的一些其他变体——所有这些都有自己独特的外观!

微克隆是罕见的还是常见的?它实际上是最常见的长石矿物之一,存在于花岗岩、正长岩和花岗闪长岩等火成岩中。

许多长石矿物富含钾 (K),使其成为钾长石。微斜晶与钾长石一样吗?是的!微斜长石、正长石、 adularia和 sanidine 都是长石家族中不同的富钾矿物!

microcline 是做什么用的,你今天在哪里可以找到它?在我们的 Microcline 宝石指南中了解有关独特且用途广泛的矿物的所有信息!

微斜宝石图片来源:Rob Lavinsky,iRocks.com – CC-BY-SA-3.0

关于微斜石

Microcline 得名于希腊语μικρός (mikron) 意为“小”,而κλίνειν (klinein) 意为“倾斜”。该名称指的是微斜线相交劈裂与 90° 的轻微偏差。

尽管从技术上讲,微斜线并不是官方的生肖石,但据信它与占星术中的天秤座有特殊的联系。天河石品种也是十二月的替代生辰石

您可能会惊讶地发现您家中可能有微斜线,但您甚至都不知道!许多建筑商在其内部和外部设计中使用花岗岩——尤其是台面。对于那些不熟悉花岗岩的人来说,它是一种常见的、粗粒、坚硬的火成岩,主要由石英、云母或微斜组成!

与其他碱长石一样,微斜晶石也常用于玻璃制造和陶瓷。

但是微斜线是什么样子的呢?

Microcline 规格和特征

Microcline是一种硅酸铝钾,化学式为K(AlSi3O8)。

一种碱性长石,微斜晶的颜色在其变化中差异很大,这就是为什么你会注意到它的矿物特性有如此广泛的色调——但更多的是不同类型的微斜晶。

微斜主要以深成火成岩中的小晶体形式被发现;然而,更大的晶体可以在伟晶岩中找到。事实上,众所周知,微斜晶能形成任何矿物中最大的晶体。此外,像微斜晶这样的三斜长石通常是双晶的(两个晶体对称地共生),因此它们通常成对出售。

以下是微斜线矿物数据的概述:

  • 矿物家族:长石组

  • 莫氏硬度: 6 to 6.5

  • 颜色:白色,灰色,灰黄色,黄色,棕褐色,粉红色,蓝绿色,绿色

  • 晶体结构:三斜晶系

  • 光泽:玻璃质

  • 透明度:半透明到不透明

  • 折射率: 1.52 to 1.53

  • 密度:2.54 至 2.57

  • 乳沟:完美{001};不错{010}

  • 断裂:贝壳状到不均匀

  • 条纹:白色

  • 发光:荧光 - LW-UV 为绿色,MW-UV 为蓝色至紫红色,SW-UV 为红色至蓝白色至紫红色

  • 多色性:无

Microcline 还具有与正长石相同的化学成分。但是,就正长石与微斜线而言,存在一些关键差异。

一方面,正长石是具有部分有序结构的 k-spar 的高温单斜晶型多晶型物。反之,微斜晶系是具有高度有序结构的k-spar的中低温三斜晶系多晶型物。

正如所承诺的,让我们见见一些 microcline 的许多品种!

微斜宝石图为:亚马逊石

微斜线的类型

您可能没有听说过 microcline,但可能知道它的一些兄弟姐妹。以下是您可能认识的一些微斜线宝石品种:

亚马逊石

亚马逊石是一种美丽的绿色至蓝色微斜线品种。它主要来自美国科罗拉多州的派克峰和水晶峰地区。

切斯特莱特

Chesterlite 是一种仅在美国宾夕法尼亚州发现的白色至米色次要的微斜晶系。

铁质微斜线

这种罕见的微斜系品种富含铁,呈红色、红棕色或粉红色。据信它来自美国密歇根州。

透明质酸

透明质酸是一种透明、无色、富含钡的品种。它最初来自瑞士,在澳大利亚、波斯尼亚、德国、日本和美国也有发现。

珍珠岩

Perthite与其说是微斜长石的变种,倒不如说是微斜长石(或偶尔在正长石内)的钠长石或寡长石的共生体。它最初是在加拿大发现的。

那么微斜晶石和天河石及其其他品种一样吗?有点儿!每个都是微斜线物种的一部分,但有自己的颜色(通常是由于其形成过程中存在的杂质)。

是时候窥探微斜线的时间之旅了!

微斜线的意义和历史

1830 年,德国矿物学家 Johann Friedrich August Breithaupt 发现了微斜层。他是在挪威第一个海军基地弗雷德里克斯文发现矿物后命名的。

微斜晶在今天不是主流矿物,但情况并非总是如此!在古埃及和美索不达米亚,它通常用于珠宝和装饰品。甚至在图坦卡蒙国王的坟墓中发现了串珠天河石!

Microcline 对小屏幕也不陌生。如果您是 The Weather Channel 的 2000 年代中期节目Prospectors的粉丝,该节目是追随科罗拉多落基山脉不同矿工的纪录片,您可能还记得 Dorris 家族开采晶和天河石的剧集!

今天,微斜线主要用于制造瓷器。首先,它经过精细研磨并与高岭土(一种粘土)和石英混合。加热时,长石会熔化并充当将材料粘合在一起的水泥。

电熔长石也是陶瓷釉料的主要成分。有时,它也用于制造玻璃时供应氧化铝。

接下来我们换档并深入研究微斜线的形而上学特性怎么样?

含锰铝榴石的微斜线愈合水晶

微斜线愈合特性

像大多数宝石一样,微斜线的外观和能量使其可以用作强大的治疗石,帮助您的身体、情感和精神健康。

Microcline 的水晶含义是清晰、平衡和恢复。它支持身体各个方面的恢复和再生。

好奇微斜线如何支持您的身体和灵魂?然后继续阅读!

物理治疗

从物理上讲,Microcline 被认为可以治疗眼部疾病和发烧。它还据称有助于调节水潴留和缓解女性分娩。

亚马逊石还被认为可以缓解肌肉痉挛、使钙水平正常化并缓解压力或疲惫。

情绪疗愈

在水晶治疗师的常见微斜线用途中,一种流行的用途是刺激思路清晰。 Microcline 可以增强您的理解力,帮助您更自信地做出决定。它还可以提高您与他人合作的能力。

同样,天河石可以镇静情绪并舒缓神经。它可以让你更自由地表达自己。据说颜色越深,力量越强。

脉轮治疗

一些水晶被认为支持您的一个或多个脉轮(沿着您的身体的能量中心)。这些脉轮石头有助于保持您的脉轮身体平衡。当失去平衡时,会出现某些身体和情绪症状。

每种微斜晶体都与不同的脉轮相关联。然而,能量治疗师主要使用天河石——它与心脏和喉咙脉轮相协调。

通过刺激您的心轮,天河石可以帮助您克服外部压力,让您找到接受。同时,天河石会刺激您的喉咙脉轮,使您能够增强声音,更好地表达您的想法和感受。

接下来,购买微斜线时应该记住哪些属性?

橙色微斜线天河石宝石

微斜宝石属性

虽然微斜线在制造玻璃和陶瓷方面在工业上很受欢迎,但您更有可能在宝石收藏领域遇到天河石,因为这种品种用于宝石。

亚马逊石按宝石分级的通用标准分级:净度、颜色、切工和克拉重量。

颜色

亚马逊石真正的美丽在于其鲜艳的色彩,这可能是由于石头中存在的铅和水造成的。它通常以浅绿色、黄绿色、鲜绿色和鲜艳的蓝绿色出现。其鲜艳的蓝绿色品种构成美丽的珠宝,是天河石最有价值和最受欢迎的色调。

已知一些球体和凸圆形显示出明显的猫眼(一种明显的反射效果)。

亚马逊石通常包含白色条纹和大理石状脉纹,强度不一。一般来说,白色越少,价值越高。

亚马逊石通常被切割成凸圆形,强调其光泽和颜色。然而,它也可以刻面以增加其外观的质感和深度。

就形状而言,天河石一般可以刻面成任何形状,包括圆形、方形、梨形、椭圆形和其他流行的切工。 Microcline 的硬度和丰富度也使其成为小雕像和雕刻的理想选择。

粗糙的或未切割的微斜线更实惠且可广泛购买。

清晰度、透明度和光泽

从技术上讲,天河石是不透明到半透明的。但是,很少发现它是透明的。抛光后,它具有蜡状的“湿”光泽,吸引您的眼球并将您的指尖吸引到其表面。

亚马逊石的净度不一,有时会形成白色丝线,偶尔会出现内部夹杂物(通常是其他长石)的黑点。

克拉重量和尺寸

微斜晶常出现在大型矿床中——天河石也是如此。这使得从粗糙标本切割大宝石变得相当容易。

与大多数宝石一样,天河石按克拉定价。石头越大,重量和价值就越高。

粗糙的微斜线通常以磅或盎司计价。

把分级摆平,我们为什么不探索微斜线的来源呢?

微斜天河石原晶簇

微斜线的形成和来源

微斜晶石是一种低温钾长石,在低于 500°C 的温度下稳定。它通常出现在酸性、富含碱的深成岩中,以及伟晶岩、花岗岩、正长岩和片岩中。

大多数情况下,微斜晶系是长石重结晶的结果。有时,它也通过岩浆和其他热液过程的直接结晶形成。

从地理上看,微斜线在哪里发现?

采矿地点

在美国,您可以在以下位置找到微斜长石:

  • 加利福尼亚

  • 科罗拉多(亚马逊石)

  • 缅因州

  • 纽约

  • 北卡罗来纳

  • 南达科他州 (perthite)

  • 弗吉尼亚(美国最好的亚马逊河石)

其他微斜线位置包括:

  • 澳大利亚

  • 巴西(大多数商业天河石)

  • 缅甸(天河石)

  • 加拿大 (perthite)

  • 德国

  • 印度(天河石)

  • 意大利

  • 日本

  • 挪威(perthite)

  • 俄罗斯

  • 南非

  • 瑞典

  • 越南(天河石)

而是将采矿留给专业人士并从值得信赖的宝石零售商(如我们)处购买微斜线?那就说说价格吧!

Microcline 天河石宝石耳环

Microcline 价格与价值

凸圆形和刻面微斜面宝石的价格通常在每克拉 0.26 美元到 0.40 美元之间,价格随着质量的提高而增加。

粗糙的、未切割的微斜线随处可见,而且通常更实惠。价格从每克 0.13 美元到 0.32 美元不等。高质量标本的零售价超过每克 0.87 美元。

以微斜线品种为特色的珠宝价格也因使用何种金属设置和额外的宝石而异。

平均而言,一条 microcline 项链的价格在 34 美元到 150 美元之间,更多的奢侈品价格高达 560 美元。

戒指的平均价格在 12 美元到 65 美元之间,但价格低至 10 美元,高至 1219 美元。

串珠微斜线手链的价格通常在 21 美元到 66 美元之间。高端的微斜手链可能要花费数百美元。

现在您已经准备好挥霍自己的一些微斜晶体,是时候掌握如何保养您的宝石了

Microcline 保养和维护

Microcline 相当耐用,但不能免于损坏。

始终将您的 microcline 存放在安全的地方(如柔软的天鹅绒袋),远离可能导致断裂或划痕的较硬的宝石。

佩戴 microcline 时避免进行剧烈、易受冲击的活动,并始终确保您的珠宝实施保护设置

为了安全起见,请避免:

  • 超声波清洗机

  • 苛刻的化学品

  • 洗涤剂

  • 突然的温度变化

清洁您的微斜线时,简单性最有效。只需使用温和的肥皂、水和软毛刷即可安全清洁您的宝石。

用 Microcline 清除你的想法!

微斜线比表面上看到的要多得多!

每个 microcline 都有其独特的外观和能量,与您的思想、身体和灵魂产生共鸣。这种无名长石的宝石品种如此之多,您一定会找到最能说明您身份的完美宝石。

准备好找到您的完美微斜线了吗?

立即购买微斜线和其他奇妙的宝石!

该文本是机器翻译的。 显示原件?

本文是否有帮助?

搜索Gemstone Encyclopedia

A-Z Of Gemstones

A-Z Of Gemstones

A-Z Of Gemstones
381
Additional Gemstone Information

Additional Gemstone Information

Additional Gemstone Information
60
Did You Know?

Did You Know?

Did You Know?
78
Drawing Design Awards

Drawing Design Awards

Drawing Design Awards
2
Gem Rock Auctions Verified Sellers

Gem Rock Auctions Verified Sellers

Gem Rock Auctions Verified Sellers
3
Holistic Gemstone Information

Holistic Gemstone Information

Holistic Gemstone Information
34
How To's

How To's

How To's is where you will find helpful articles from gem Rock Auctions on how to cut gemstones, select gemstones and buy gemstones.
9
News

News

News and events on Gem Rock Auctions
48
Technical Information on Gemstones

Technical Information on Gemstones

Technical Information on Gemstones
30