microcline

[ mahy-kruh-klahyn ]

noun

1. a mineral of the feldspar group, potassium aluminum silicate, KAlSi 3 O 8 , identical in composition with orthoclase but having triclinic instead of monoclinic crystals, used in making porcelain.

microcline

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊˌklaɪn /

noun

1. a white, creamy yellow, red, or green mineral of the feldspar group, found in igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks: used in the manufacture of glass and ceramics. Composition: potassium aluminium silicate. Formula: KAlSi 3 O 8 . Crystal structure: triclinic

microcline

/ mī′krō-klīn′ /

1. A white, pink, red-brown, or green type of potassium feldspar. It is dimorphous with orthoclase feldspar, differing from it in shape and in the fact that it forms at lower temperatures. Chemical formula: KAlSi 3 O 8 .

Word History and Origins

Origin of microcline¹

1840–50; micro- + -cline < Greek klī́nein to lean ¹, referring to the angles between its cleavage planes, which differ slightly from 90°

Word History and Origins

Origin of microcline¹

C19: from German Mikroklin, from mikro- micro- + Greek klinein to lean; so called because its cleavage plane is slightly different from 90°

Example Sentences

The felspar of the granulites is mostly orthoclase or cryptoperthite; microcline, oligoclase and albite are also common.

From Project Gutenberg

Orthoclase and microcline feldspar are used in the manufacture of porcelain and chinaware.

From Project Gutenberg

At Danbury the mineral occurs with microcline and oligoclase embedded in dolomite.

From Project Gutenberg

The common color of microcline is white to pale yellow, but occasionally green and red occur.

From Project Gutenberg