Albite vs Anorthite
Albite and Anorthite belong to the same mineral group and differ on 1 measured property — density most clearly.
Albite vs Anorthite
Albite
NaAlSi3O8
The sodium end of the plagioclase series, and the most common feldspar in evolved granites.
Anorthite
CaAl2Si2O8
The calcium end of the plagioclase series — the first feldspar to crystallise from a cooling basalt, and a major constituent of the lunar highlands.
| Property | Albite | Anorthite |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal system Categorical values can be listed side by side but not ordered or subtracted. | triclinic | triclinic |
| Density | 2.6–2.65 g/cm³ | 2.72–2.76 g/cm³ higher |
| Lustre Categorical values can be listed side by side but not ordered or subtracted. | vitreous | vitreous |
| Mohs hardness Mohs hardness is an ordinal scale: values can be ranked, but differences and ratios between them are not meaningful. | 6–6.5 | 6–6.5 |
| Streak Categorical values can be listed side by side but not ordered or subtracted. | white | white |