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Glass
Feldspar is very important in glass manufacturing as the sodium oxide and potassium oxide of feldspar function as fluxing agents. The feldspar is mixed in with the raw components of glass, limestone, soda ash and silica sand. The addition of feldspar helps to reduce the melting temperature of the raw material as well as control molten glass viscosity. The alumina in the feldspar helps to make the finished glass resistant to chemicals and improves the strength of glass.
Ceramics
Feldspar is one of the most important ingredients in ceramics besides clay. As with glass manufacturing, feldspar also helps to reduce the melting temperature of clay and quartz in the ceramics. This material forms the glassy phase of ceramics at low temperatures and is used in ceramic glazes. Feldspar will increase the durability, toughness and strength of the ceramics. It also cements the other ingredients in ceramics together to help create a consistent batch of ceramics.
Filler
Feldspar is used as an extender and filler in rubber, plastics and paints. This material has a stable pH, low viscosity, and is resistant to abrasion and to frosting. When feldspar is ground into very small particles, or fine-milled, it creates low angle sheen when the paint is applied to walls. This sheen helps to prolong the gloss retention of the exterior coat of paint. Feldspar is frequently found in exterior paints as it will not react with acid rain or other acidic moisture. This mineral is normally light colored, which means that it will easily take color of other minerals, making it useful for both dark and pastel paints.
Enamel
Feldspar is needed to reduce defects in enamel frits and types of glazes. Enamel frits are granulated or powdered glass that will bind with soluble chemicals, making them insoluble. Making chemicals insoluble in enamel making will reduce the number of defects in the final product. Tableware, sanitary ware, ceramic glazes, enamel frits and other giftware will use feldspar. Feldspar can be used to lower the cost of items as it can replace talc, quartz mixtures, pyrophyllite and clays. However it can only replace other minerals that have similar physical properties as feldspar.