Plural of feldspar; the most abundant group of minerals in Earth's crust, typically containing aluminum silicates and other elements.
From German 'Feldspat,' combining 'Feld' (field) and 'Spat' (spar, a mineral). Named because these minerals were commonly found in open fields. The term entered English geological vocabulary in the 18th century.
Feldspars make up about 60% of Earth's crust and are essential to understanding rocks—geologists say 'if you understand feldspar, you understand geology,' because they form in almost every rock type!
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