Cleavelandite is a variety of Albite which is a member of the Feldspar of minerals, a major constituent of granites and basalts, that includes Albite, Amazonite and Labradorite. Commonly white to gray, blueish, greenish and reddish with vitreous luster and occasionally exhibiting chatoyancy (an optical phenomenon that displays reflected light in a “cat’s eye” narrow band). It is not a viable gem variety, nor is there an abundance of stand-alone crystal specimens. It does, however, play a huge supporting role, associating and pairing with numerous, high-quality crystallized minerals, including  Elbaite, Quartz, Lepidolite, Muscovite, Schorl, Topaz, Morganite, Tourmaline, Smokey Quartz and Microline, providing striking accents and contrast to some of the most beautiful and sought-after crystals in the mineral world.

The crystal system for Cleavelandite is triclinic, often tabular, bladed and platy, including diverging aggregates and rosettes. Other forms include granular and massive.

Quality Cleavelandite specimens are very limited. The few localities include Brazil, and the USA (California).