Albite

Mineral formula: Na(AlSi₃O₈)

Mineral group: member of the plagioclase group of the feldspar group; it is the pure Na (sodium) endmember of the albite-anorthite series.

Crystal system: triclinic

Crystal habit: tabular thin plates to blocky crystals, sometimes curved

Cleavage: Perfect on [001], good on [010], imperfect on {110}

Fracture: irregular, uneven or conchoidal

Color: white to grey, shades of blue or green, or colorless

Luster: vitreous; may be chatoyant

Diaphaneity: transparent to translucent

Moh’s scale hardness: 6 – 6 ½

Streak: white

Specific gravity: 2.6 – 2.65

Named after: Latin “albus” (white) in 1815 by Johan Gottlieb Gahn and Jöns Jacob Berzelius

Type localities (2):  Catharina Neufang Mine, St Andreasberg, Braunlage, Goslar District, Lower Saxony, Germany; Finnbo (Finbo), Falun, Dalarna County, Sweden

Geological occurrence A major constituent of granites and granite pegmatites, alkalic diorites, basalts, and in hydrothermal and alpine veins. A product of potassium metasomatism and in low-temperature and low-pressure metamorphic facies and in some schists. Detrital and authigenic in sedimentary rocks.

Energetic properties: According to Melody,* albite aids in clarity of thought and enhances tactful cooperation with others. Albite supports an easy and effortless flow to all relationships, situations and interactions. It works to relieve any fears of the unknown by providing the energy of courage and confidence. It supports personal freedom and self-empowerment in times of change. Albite is a stone of action and resolution, encouraging and insightful. It aids in the connection to the psychic self, awakening the energy of the Third Eye and Crown Chakras.

Melody (2008) Love is in the Earth, the Crystal & Mineral Encyclopedia. Earth Love Publishing, 976 pp.