Feldspar and Syenites

Definitions

Feldspars are a group of tectosilicate rock-forming minerals.

The syenites are a group of intrusive rocks rich in feldspar minerals, and, unlike granites, they have little or no quartz. The most important syenite is nepheline syenite.

PSD – Particle size distribution

Introduction

Feldspars are a group of minerals being the most important ones for rock formation of the Earth’s crust having a share of 51 % on it. They are tectosilicates (3D network structure), occurring in mineral varieties containing different alkali and alkaline earth elements. The most common members are sodium, potassium, and calcium feldspars.

Syenite is a group of plutonic (or intrusive) rocks being rich on feldspars. In comparison to granites they contain less/no quartz. Commercially – apart from their use as dimensional stone – nepheline syenite is the most important member of that group used in ceramics, glass, and polymers. In ceramics and glass it is used like feldspar as a source of alumina and as...