Albite Gemstone Properties

ˈal-ˌbīt

Stone of Resolute Action

The first reported discovery of Albite was in 1815 for an occurrence in Sweden. The name is derived from the Latin word albus, which means white and describes the color of the stone.

Albite is usually a white or translucent stone with a bluish tinge. Rainbow Moonstones are a cut and polished form of Albite.

Albite is used commercially in ceramics, being ground very fine and mixed with kaolin and quartz; as upon heating, the feldspar fuses and acts as a cement binding all of the materials together.

Fused feldspar also is the main constituent in the clear shiny glaze on most porcelain pieces. Often feldspar is also used to supply alumina to be infused into the manufacture of glass.

Mohs Hardness of 6-6.5 with a triclinic crystal structure.

Albite is a common feldspar and is the “pivot” mineral of two different and separate feldspar series. It is most often associated with the plagioclase series where it is an end member of this series. The plagioclase series comprises feldspars that range in chemical composition from pure NaAlSi3 O8 to pure CaAl2 Si2 O8 . The various plagioclase feldspars are identified from each other by gradations in index of refraction and density in the absence of chemical analysis and/or optical measurements.

Albite is also an end member of the alkali or K-feldspars whose series ranges from pure NaAlSi3 O8 to pure KAlSi3 O8. This series only exists at high temperatures with the mineral sanidine being the potassium, K, rich end member. At lower temperatures, the K-feldspars will separate from the Albite in a process called exsolution. The Albite will form layers inside the K-feldspars crystals. Often times these layers are discernable to the naked eye and the stone is referred to as Perthite.

Albite by definition must contain no less than 90% sodium and no more than 10% of either potassium and/or calcium in the cation position in the crystal structure.

Albite is the last of the feldspars to crystallize from molten rock. The process of crystallization from a molten rock body serves to isolate rarer elements in the last stages of crystallization and therefore produces rare mineral species. Thus Albite is often found in conjunction with some lovely rare and beautiful minerals. Although usually not an exceptional collection mineral in itself, Albite can be a nice accessory mineral to other mineral species. A variety associated with Tourmaline is called Cleavelandite and forms extremely thin, platy, white and sometimes very transparent crystals.

Albite is said to enhance clarity of thought and improve one’s ability to cooperate with others in quite a tactful manner.

Albite is also said to give courage and confidence when confronting the unknown, as well as being a wonderful blood cleanser, purifier and assistance with blood pressure.

It eliminates fear of the unknown and supports personal freedom through change. It encourages one into action, providing insight to certainty of purpose while sustaining one’s confidence and resolution.

Albite is told to be quite helpful in treating all types of eye disorders, as well as circulatory restrictions (and other blood ailments) and to be beneficial with muscular ailments.

Albite will stimulate clarity, confidence and resolution while providing insight to certainty of purpose. It also provide a connection with the higher self and helps one interpret their psychic experiences as we are meant to.

Energy: Not Noted
Element: Not Noted
Planet: Not Noted
Deities: Not Noted
Candle Color: Not Noted

If any of our readers have any magical information on this stone, we would be ever so grateful if you would share it with us!

Associations: Not Noted

Birthstone: Not a Traditional Birthstone for any Month

Zodiac Stone of: Aquarius

Albite is said to be quite helpful in building courage to help one confront every day dragons.

Related the the 6th, or Third Eye/Brow Chakra, Albite encourages one into action, eliminating the fear of the unknown while at the same time supporting personal power and growth through change.