PLAGIOCLASE


Meaning of PLAGIOCLASE in English

n.

Any member of the series of abundant feldspar minerals that usually occur as light-to medium-grey-coloured, transparent to translucent grains or crystals.

Plagioclase ranges in composition from albite to anorthite . It is used in the manufacture of glass and ceramics; iridescent varieties are valued as gemstones. The primary importance of plagioclase, however, derives from its role as a rock-forming mineral.

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia.      Краткая энциклопедия Британика.