Plagioclase is a common mineral found in most igneous rocks. It belongs to the feldspar group of minerals and has a crystalline structure. Synonyms for plagioclase include albite, anorthite, and oligoclase. These minerals are similar to plagioclase in terms of chemical composition and physical properties. Albite is a type of plagioclase with a white color and a high sodium content. Anorthite is a type of plagioclase with a white to gray color and a high calcium content. Oligoclase is a type of plagioclase with a green to brown color and a relatively low calcium content. Collectively, these minerals are essential components of many rocks and are important to geologists studying the earth's crust.