Mineral Database

Mineral Database

Andesine

Crystal System: Triclinic
Formula: (Na,Ca)(Si,Al)4O8
Status of Occurrence: Confirmed Occurrence
Distribution: Locally Abundant
Chemical Composition: Sodium calcium aluminium silicate
Method(s) of Verification: polarizing microscope.
Chemical Group:
  • Silicates
Geological Context:
  • Igneous
  • Metamorphic : low-grade
Introduction: andesine, once a valid species name, is now an informal term used for plagioclase feldspar with anorthite/albite ratios in the range 50:50 to 70:30. It occurs as a typical rock-forming mineral in intermediate composition igneous rocks (SiO2 contents of 52-66% by weight) and also as an alteration product of more anorthite-rich plagioclase in more basic rocks (SiO2 less than 52% by weight). Andesine gives its name to the intermediate composition volcanic rock andesite.
Occurrence in Wales: andesine is widespread in Wales, occurring as a primary rock-forming mineral in intermediate igneous rocks, such as diorite intrusions and andesite. It is additionally present as an alteration product of original, more calcic plagioclase feldspar, in basic igneous rocks such as dolerite and basalt. Bevins & Merriman (1988) record the presence of andesine as part of the low-grade metamorphic assemblage in the Tal y Fan intrusion, near Conwy in Gwynedd.
Key Localities:
There are no key localities for this specimen.
References:
  • Bevins,R.E. & Merriman, R. J., 1988 Compositional controls on co-existing prehnite-actinolite and prehnite-pumpellyite assemblages in the Tal y Fan metabasite intrusion, North Wales: implications for Caledonian metamorphism field gradients.  Journal of Metamorphic Geology, 6, 17-39.