Sodium-rich end member of the plagioclase feldspar series. One of the most common minerals in the Earth crust. Color: White to gray. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Streak: White. Cleavage: Perfect in two directions. Hardness: 6-6.5. Transparency: Translucent to opaque. Crystal system: Triclinic. Chemical formula: NaAlSi₃O₈. Specific gravity: 2.62. Formation: Crystallizes from sodium-rich magmas and forms during metamorphism of pelitic rocks. Common geological settings: Worldwide; common in granites, pegmatites, and low-grade metamorphic rocks. Common look-alikes and related entries: Orthoclase, Oligoclase, Quartz.
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These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
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GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T14:36:44.086416+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Sodium-rich end member of the plagioclase feldspar series. One of the most common minerals in the Earth crust.
How can you identify Albite?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: White to gray; lustre: Vitreous to pearly; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 6-6.5; cleavage: Perfect in two directions; crystal system: Triclinic; transparency: Translucent to opaque. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Albite form?
Crystallizes from sodium-rich magmas and forms during metamorphism of pelitic rocks.
Where is Albite commonly found?
Worldwide; common in granites, pegmatites, and low-grade metamorphic rocks.
What is Albite commonly confused with?
Albite may be confused with Orthoclase, Oligoclase, Quartz. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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