celsian

celsian, an uncommon feldspar mineral, barium aluminosilicate (BaAl₂Si₂O₈), that occurs as hard, light-coloured, glassy masses and crystals in association with manganese deposits in contact zones, as at Jakobsberg, Swed.; Tochigi prefecture, Japan; Rhiw, Wales; near the Omuramba Otjosondjou (dry riverbed), Namibia; and near Incline, Calif., U.S. It may be regarded as the barium equivalent of another feldspar, anorthite, or calcium aluminosilicate (CaAl₂Si₂O₈). Hyalophane is a potassium feldspar containing 5 to 30 percent celsian; it occurs with celsian in contact zones. For detailed physical properties of celsian and hyalophane, see feldspar (table).