Feldspars

LINK TO THE FREE ROCK IMAGE ID KEY: https://rockpapa.github.io/Rock-Image-ID-Key/ In this lesson, we take a friendly but thorough look at feldspars — the most abundant mineral group in Earth’s crust. We’ll cover: • What feldspars are and how they form • Why aluminum-silicate minerals need positive ions • The three main feldspar flavors: potassium, sodium-rich, and calcium-rich • How feldspar type helps identify igneous rocks • The plagioclase series, from albite to anorthite • Which feldspars occur in felsic, intermediate, and mafic rocks You’ll also learn a memorable (and slightly absurd 😄) mnemonic to help keep the plagioclase feldspars straight — because geology should be fun, not intimidating. We look at real rock examples including granite, diorite, and gabbro, and explain how feldspar color and texture can give you strong clues about a rock’s composition and origin. This video is perfect for: • Beginner rockhounds • Students of geology • Curious nature lovers • Anyone who’s picked up a “white mineral” and wondered what it really was Next up: Metamorphism — and what it does to feldspars (with Papa’s simplified take). If you enjoyed the video, please like, subscribe, and share it with your fellow rock buds. Happy rock hunting! 🪨 Papa out. 💬 Optional Pinned Comment (highly recommended) Feldspars make up over half of Earth’s crust, so if you’ve picked up a rock — you’ve almost certainly held feldspar. Drop a comment if you’ve found pink, white, or “ragged” feldspar out in the wild!