SANIDINE
Specimen san-1

Dims: 1-1/2" x 1-5/8" x 1-1/4"

Wt: 1.84 oz

Beaverdell, British Columbia, Canada

Finally, I get to see what a crystal of Sanidine looks like! To tell you the truth, it looks a lot like some orthoclase that I've seen! However, the surfaces, though comprised of the natural crystal faces, are rougher in texture. It has the classic form of members of its kind, complete with penetration twinning. There is a small amount of attached matrix that is weakly attached and can be easily removed if so desired. It has excellent crystal form, and would make a good addition to the collection of a "feldspar fanatic".

Dims: 1-1/2" x 1-5/8" x 1-1/4"

Wt: 1.84 oz

Beaverdell, British Columbia, Canada

Another specimen from what seems to be a prime Sanidine locality, this Canadian crystal has all the hallmark traits of the feldspar variation: excellent crystal form that has almost no damage, a grainy consistency, the lack of lamellar twinning, and a locality known for producing such material. There is a small amount of host rock that the crystal is attached to that contains small grains of what appears to be quartz, and other small, broken Sanidine crystals. The specimen may have been broken out and glued back into place, but it is difficult to be sure, as no glue is visible. There is, however, a small area on the matrix that is flattened and smooth where another crystal was probably broken off. A small portion of the matrix right next to the crystal is cracked and could be easily separated from the rest of the rock.

Dims: 2.4 x 1.4 x 1.0" (6.1 x 3.6 x 2.6 cm)

Wt: 4.4 oz. (125 g)

Beaverdell, British Columbia, Canada

This large Sanidine crystal is in good condition- it shows considerable damage, but this damage does not appear to be fresh- and has good monoclinic prismatic form, with slightly rounded edges and generally clean faces. Its color is a combination of pink and pale brown, and its luster is dull and waxy at best. There is no base or host rock present.

Dims: 2.5 x 2.4 x 1.8" (6.3 x 5.9 x 4.6 cm)

Wt: 4.8 oz. (136 g)

Beaverdell, British Columbia, Canada

Several Sanidine crystals are partly embedded in the gray host rock of this cabinet specimen. These crystals reach lengths of 1.3" (3.3 cm) and are in rather poor condition, as all are damaged and most are incomplete. Their monoclinic prismatic form is excellent where intact, however, and all have the pink-beige coloration, dull luster and almost pebbly surface texture that is common for the specie.

Dims: 1.5 x 1.1 x 0.7" (3.8 x 2.8 x 1.7 cm)

Wt: 1.4 oz. (39 g)

Beaverdell, British Columbia, Canada

This single Sanidine crystal is in fair condition, as its base end is broken and uneven. The rest of the crystal, however, is in excellent condition, and shows excellent monoclinic prismatic form. Its beige color and dull luster are common for the specie, and it is completely opaque. There is no host rock present, and the crystal is hot-glued to a small acrylic base.