feldspar
nounUS /ˈfɛldˌspɑɹ/ · UK /ˈfɛldspɑː/
Etymology Partial calque of German Feldspat, formed from Feld (“field”) + Spat (“spar”), the second element replaced with the English cognate spar.
1
Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mineralogy, Natural sciences, Physical sciences Any of a large group of rock-forming aluminosilicate minerals containing potassium, sodium, or calcium that, together, make up about 60% of the Earth's outer crust.
- Derived terms
- alkali feldspar, feldsparlike, felsic, glassy feldspar, K-feldspar, potash-feldspar, potassium feldspar
- Related terms
- feldspathic, feldspathoid, feldspathose, albite, bytownite, andesine, anorthite, granite, labradorite, microcline, mineral, oligoclase, orthoclase, rock