Where is Microcline with Schorl found?
KAlSi3O8 (Microcline) and NaFe3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4 (Schorl)
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Open the appMicrocline with Schorl occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Microcline with Schorl
Brazil
Minas Gerais is famous for large pegmatite deposits yielding excellent specimens of both microcline (including amazonite) and schorl.
United States
Maine, California (Pala District), Colorado (Pikes Peak region for amazonite), and North Carolina have significant pegmatite occurrences with microcline and schorl.
Madagascar
Known for various pegmatite minerals, including large microcline crystals and schorl.
Russia
The Ural Mountains and Kola Peninsula are sources of microcline and schorl, particularly amazonite.
Pakistan
Northern areas are known for pegmatite minerals, including schorl and microcline.
Collecting tips
- Target Pegmatites. Focus your search on granitic pegmatite outcrops, which are the primary geological environment for this association. Look for coarse-grained igneous rocks.
- Look for Crystal Forms. Identify the blocky, often twinned crystals of microcline and the distinct, elongated, striated black prisms of schorl.
- Check for Color and Luster. Microcline's characteristic colors (pink, white, green) and vitreous luster, combined with schorl's opaque black color and vitreous luster, are good indicators.
- Examine Cleavage and Fracture. Microcline's two cleavages at nearly 90 degrees are diagnostic. Schorl's lack of good cleavage and conchoidal fracture can help differentiate it from other black minerals.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Microcline: White, pink, green; Schorl: Opaque black
- Luster:
- Vitreous to pearly (Microcline), Vitreous to resinous (Schorl)
- Streak:
- White (Microcline), White to colorless (Schorl)
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