Andesine identification and geology

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• Oligoclase
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Sources, scope & corrections

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.

Editorial owner

GeoMiner

Last updated

2026-03-30T14:36:44.387146+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.

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Common questions

What is Andesine?

Plagioclase feldspar intermediate in the series. Named after the Andes Mountains where andesite its typical host rock is common.

How can you identify Andesine?

Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: White, gray, greenish, reddish; lustre: Vitreous; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 6-6.5; cleavage: Perfect in two directions; crystal system: Triclinic; transparency: Translucent. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.

How does Andesine form?

Crystallizes from intermediate magmas typical of volcanic arcs and subduction zones.

Where is Andesine commonly found?

Andes, Japan, India; common in andesite and diorite.

What is Andesine commonly confused with?

Andesine may be confused with Oligoclase, Labradorite, Albite. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.