MINING ROCKSTAR OF THE WEEK – ORTHOCLASE!!

Orthoclase is a feldspar mineral with a chemical composition of KAlSi3O8. It is one of the most abundant rock-forming minerals of the continental crust. Orthoclase is most widely known as the pink feldspar found in many granites and as the mineral assigned a hardness of "6" in the Mohs hardness scale. Orthoclase has several commercial uses. It is a raw material used in the production of glass, ceramic tile, porcelain, dinnerware, bathroom fixtures, and other ceramics. It is used as an abrasive in scouring powders and polishing compounds. It is also cut as a gemstone. An adularescent gem material known as moonstone is an intergrowth of orthoclase and albite - "Geology.com".