Sanidine
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Physical & Optical Properties
Category
Semi-Precious Gems
Mohs Hardness
6.0
Specific Gravity
2.54 – 2.61
Refractive Index
1.518 – 1.536
Crystal System
Monoclinic
Luster
Vitreous
Cleavage
Good
Fracture
Uneven,Conchoidal
Color
various
Birefringence
0.005
Pleochroism
Weak
Mohs Hardness
| Mohs | Reference mineral | Sanidine |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Talc | |
| 2 | Gypsum | |
| 3 | Calcite | |
| 4 | Fluorite | |
| 5 | Apatite | |
| 6 | Orthoclase | ● |
| 7 | Quartz | |
| 8 | Topaz | |
| 9 | Corundum | |
| 10 | Diamond |
Crystal System
Value & Market
Price Tier
Moderate ($50-500/ct)
Where to Buy Sanidine
Blue Nile
Fine jewelry retailer
James Allen
Gemstone jewelry
Brilliant Earth
Ethically sourced gems
Amazon
Wide selection
Links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Treatments
Some sanidine subjected to iridation turns amber or smoky coloured.
6Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
2.54 to 2.61Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
BrittleMichael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
GoodMichael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006) Excellent to good
Uneven,ConchoidalMichael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
1.518 to 1.536Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
Biaxial/-Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
0.005 to 0.008Herve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
WeakMichael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
WeakMichael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Light gray to light brownish varietyHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
Transparent,TranslucentMichael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
VitreousMichael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Weak reddish orange under both LWUV and SWUV (Madagascar)Michael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
MonoclinicHerve Nicolas Lazzarelli, Blue Chart Gem Identification (2010) More from other references
A flattened crystalMichael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Sanidine is a common constituent in acid and intermediate volcanic rocks such as rhyolites, dacites and trachytes; where the rock cooled quickly at above approximately 900�C, sanidine is the stable structureMichael O?Donoghue, Gems, Sixth Edition (2006)
Sanidine information at mindat.org
Madagascar
Myanmar
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Ted Themelis (2008) Gems & mines of Mogok
Sri Lanka
About Sanidine
Sanidine is a high-temperature potassium feldspar that typically forms colorless to pale cream or gray glassy crystals, sometimes with a subtle adularescence giving a billowing blue sheen, similar to moonstone. It occurs in volcanic and subvolcanic rocks including rhyolites and trachytes, with notable gem-quality crystals found in the Eifel region of Germany. Its clean transparency and occasional optical effects make it an interesting addition to mineral and gem collections.
On this page
Jewelry Use
Durability
5/10
Science FYI Family
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sanidine?
Sanidine is a high-temperature potassium feldspar that typically forms colorless to pale cream or gray glassy crystals, sometimes with a subtle adularescence giving a billowing blue sheen, similar to moonstone. It occurs in volcanic and subvolcanic rocks including rhyolites and trachytes, with notab
What is the hardness of Sanidine?
Sanidine has a Mohs hardness of 6.0, making it moderate for use in jewelry.
What color is Sanidine?
Sanidine is primarily Various.
How much does Sanidine cost?
Sanidine falls into the Moderate ($50-500/ct) price range. Prices vary based on color, clarity, cut, and origin.
What is the crystal system of Sanidine?
Sanidine belongs to the Monoclinic crystal system.