Editing Feldspar (section)

==Applications==
Feldspar is a common raw material used in glassmaking, ceramics, and to some extent as a filler and extender in paints, plastics, and rubber. In the US, about 66 % of feldspar is consumed in glassmaking, including glass containers and glass fibre. Ceramics (including electrical insulators, sanitaryware, tableware and tile) and other uses, such as fillers, accounted for the remainder.<ref name=usgs>Apodaca, Lori E. (2008). [http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/feldspar/myb1-2008-felds.pdf Feldspar and nepheline syenite], USGS 2008 Minerals Yearbook</ref>

'''[[Glass]]''': Feldspar provides both K<sub>2</sub>O and Na<sub>2</sub>O for fluxing, and Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> and CaO as stabilizers. As an important source of Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> for glassmaking, feldspar is valued for its low iron and
refractory mineral content, a low cost per unit of Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>, no volatiles and no waste.<ref name="auto">'Industrial Minerals & Rocks – Commodities, Markets and Uses' J. E. Kogel. Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, 2006. p. 458</ref>

'''[[Ceramic]]s''': Feldspars are used in the ceramic industry as a [[ceramic flux|flux]] to form a glassy phase in bodies during firing, and thus promote vitrification. They are also used as a source of alkalies and alumina in glazes.<ref name="auto"/> The composition of feldspar used in different ceramic formulations varies depending on various factors, including the properties of the individual grade, the other raw materials and the requirements of the finished products. However, typical additions include: tableware, 15 % to 30 % feldspar; high-tension electrical porcelains, 25 % to 35 %; sanitaryware, 25 %; wall tile, 0 % to 10 %; and dental porcelain up to 80 % feldspar.<ref>Singer, F. and Singer, S.S. (1971). 'Industrial Ceramics'. Chapman & Hall.</ref>

'''[[Earth science]]s''': In earth sciences and archaeology, feldspars are used for [[potassium-argon dating]], [[argon-argon dating]] and [[luminescence dating]].

'''Minor use''': Some household cleaners (such as [[Bar Keepers Friend]] and [[Bon Ami]]) use feldspar to give a mild abrasive action.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.citizen-times.com/story/news/2019/08/04/visiting-our-past-feldspar-mining-and-racial-tensions/1876796001/|title=Visiting our Past: Feldspar mining and racial tensions|last=Neufeld|first=Rob|work=[[Asheville Citizen-Times]]|date=4 August 2019|access-date=4 August 2019}}</ref>