Nepheline (Na,K)(Al,Si)2O4

Optical Properties:

Uniaxial -; colorless; poor cleavage; low relief; first order gray interference colors; parallel extinction.

In the photo above (crossed polarizers), nepheline poikilitically encloses twinned plagioclase crystals.

Occurrence:

Silica undersaturated igneous rocks, such as nepheline syenite, phonolite, and some basalts. Does not occur with quartz.

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