View allAll Photos Tagged Labradorite
Labradorite is a feldspar mineral of the plagioclase series that is most often found in mafic igneous rocks such as basalt, gabbro, and norite. It is also found in anorthosite, an igneous rock in which labradorite can be the most abundant mineral.
Some specimens of labradorite exhibit a schiller effect, which is a strong play of iridescent blue, green, red, orange, and yellow colours as shown in the photographs. Labradorite is so well known for these spectacular displays of colour that the phenomenon is known as "labradorescence." Specimens with the highest quality labradorescence are often selected for use as gemstones.
Labradorescence is not a display of colours reflected from the surface of a specimen. Instead, light enters the stone, strikes a twinning surface within the stone, and reflects from it. The colour seen by the observer is the colour of light reflected from that twinning surface. Different twinning surfaces within the stone reflect different colours of light. Light reflecting from different twinning surfaces in various parts of the stone can give the stone a multi-coloured appearance.
Labradorite is a mineral in the plagioclase series, and it shares many of the properties of plagioclase minerals. It has a Mohs hardness of about 6 to 6 1/2 and two distinct directions of cleavage that intersect at an angle of about 86 degrees or 94 degrees. Plagioclase minerals frequently exhibit twinning and striations on cleavage faces.
Labradorite is the only mineral in the plagioclase series that exhibits strong labradorescence; however, many specimens of labradorite do not exhibit the phenomenon. Without seeing labradorescence, distinguishing labradorite from other members of the plagioclase series can be difficult. The methods used for distinguishing them are x-ray diffraction, chemical analysis, optical tests, and specific gravity determinations on pure specimens.
Labradorite has become a popular gemstone because of the unique iridescent play-of-colour that many specimens exhibit. The quality, hue, and brilliance of the labradorescence varies from one specimen to another and within a single specimen. Stones with exceptional colour are often given the name "spectrolite."
Labradorite is rarely seen in mass-merchant jewelry. Instead it is most often used by designers and jewelers who do unique and custom work.
Many specimens of labradorite do not exhibit labradorescence. These materials can still produce beautiful gemstones because of their desirable colour or other optical effects such as aventurescence.
Some specimens of sunstone are labradorite. Sunstone is a plagioclase gemstone in which tiny platelets of copper or another mineral are arranged in a common orientation. These platelets produce a reflective flash when incident light enters the stone at a proper angle relative to the angle of observation.
Some cautions are required when using labradorite as a gemstone. It breaks in two directions with perfect cleavage. This makes it subject to breaking with impact and not a good candidate for jewelry or other objects that could be subject to impact. It also has a hardness of 6 on the Mohs scale. It will therefore scratch much more easily than diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, and slightly more easily than jasper and agate.
Labradorescent material is most often cut into cabochons. The labradorescence phenomenon is best exhibited when the base of the cabochon is parallel to the layers in the material that produce the labradorescent flash. Careful study of the material is required so that the finished stone will be oriented to produce a full "face-up colour." If the stone is cut at any other angle, the layers that produce the labradorescence will be inclined when the stone is viewed from directly above. This will yield a labradorescent flash that will appear to be off-centre .
Labradorite is found in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. It most often occurs as a primary mineral in mafic igneous rocks such as basalt, gabbro, and norite. It is also found in anorthosite, an igneous rock in which labradorite can be the most abundant mineral. Labradorite occurs in gneiss that has been produced through the metamorphism of labradorite-bearing igneous rocks. It is also found in sediments and sedimentary rocks that are derived from the weathering of other rocks that contain labradorite.
Labradorite is named after its location of discovery on the Isle of Paul, near Nain, Labrador, Canada. It was discovered there in 1770 by a Moravian missionary.
Labradorite with superb labradorescence is produced from a few deposits in Finland. The best of this material was given the name "spectrolite" by the director of the Geological Survey of Finland. Today, specimens of labradorite with exceptional labradorescence from other locations are frequently called "spectrolite."
A significant amount of grey to black labradorite with good labradorescence is produced from locations in Madagascar and Russia. Small amounts of transparent labradorite with internal colour flash are produced in India.
Several mines in Oregon produce transparent orange, yellow, red, blue, green, and clear labradorite without labradorescence. These can be cut into very nice faceted stones. Some of this material has platy inclusions of copper in a common alignment that can produce an aventurescent flash when played in the light. These materials are marketed under the name "Oregon Sunstone" and have attracted a strong following from local designers and the tourist trade.
Some deposits of anorthosite are quarried and cut into slabs that are used to manufacture small sculptures, countertops, window sills, tiles, facing stone, and other architectural products.
For Sight & Sound
We have learnt that this stone is not in the same grouping as diamonds - however , Shine On You Crazy Diamond comes to mind .
I purchased this one from Fenn's Gems & Minerals, in Las Cruces, NM, several years ago and was fortunate to see one four times this size, much brighter yellow and with natural crystal faces, which is rare. This specimen is easily four times the size of the larges I have found on either the Woodward or Walker Ranch.
These elegant post earrings feature natural labradorite gemstones set in solid sterling silver. Each stone reveals unique flashes of blue and gold, making every pair one of a kind.
Handcrafted with care and inspired by the quiet beauty of natural light, these minimalist studs bring a timeless glow to any look — perfect for everyday wear or special occasions.
One of my latest designs - part of my ongoing handmade jewelry collection.
For more information about my craft, please visit my profile page.
LUMINOSITY is a fascinating iridescent multi-color labradorite pendant that I handcrafted swirling and shaping antique bronze toned copper wire by hand, adding aquamarine, amethyst and topaz chips to enhance the natural beauty, shape and colors of the stone. This labradorite is one of the most vivid of my labradorites. It is a rare labradorite as it flashes many different colors such as a beautiful aqua blue, bright yellow, vivid orange and purple. This stone is truly a beautiful gift from Mother Nature. The combination of the elegant, swirly antique bronze wire setting, together with the earthy and dramatic gemstone creates a very versatile piece of wearable art that can be worn with a party dress or your favorite casual jeans. Stylish Care More pendants are sure to add a touch of natural drama to your fashion wardrobe.
It measures 1 1/2" across and 3" top to tip including the bail.
The bail is designed to be large enough to accommodate your favorite chain, choker or cord. A 17" antique bronze chain is included.
All purchases are nicely packaged in a gift box.
Here's a very small section from the face of a good-sized Labradorite specimen, approximately 9.5" x 7" x 3" overall. 60mm micro with extension tubes.
This mineral changes color and intensity depending upon the angle from which it is viewed. It is much like a kaleidoscope in your hand. One of the reasons it is one of my favorite mineral.
This was a custom order. It features a tapered half-round band, hammered on the outside with a secret garden floral design inside. The stone is a bezel-set 8mm checkerboard faceted labradorite with a nice blue flash.
The back of the ring measured just under 1/4" wide while the...
A small polished labradorite stone showing differently colored bands caused by light refracting through the crystal structures in this feldspar.
The blue of a good piece of labradorite is one of the prettiest things around, like the blue of a morpho butterfly.This is from Madagascar.
This was a custom order. It features a tapered half-round band, hammered on the outside with a secret garden floral design inside. The stone is a bezel-set 8mm checkerboard faceted labradorite with a nice blue flash.
The back of the ring measured just under 1/4" wide while the front was a tiny bit over 1/8". The ring was given a patina which I buffed off by hand with a scotch-brite pad so that it stayed fairly dark to show all the hammer marks. It is all sterling silver.
I like how the ring turned out-- it's not my usual style.
Labradorite Flash - A small section of the surface of a large slab of labradorite slices made for a custom table. The flash is a special feature of this stone, called the "Schiller Effect". These stones are most commonly mined in Madagascar. Seen at the Rare Earth Gallery in Cave Creek, Arizona.
The flash is commonly blue, green,yellow, aqua, orange or red-violet tending to purple. Guess why I like this rock!
*Schiller Effect Labradorite*
Macro view of the surface of a large piece of labradorite showing four colors from the polished and smooth surface. This specimen is posted for #stonesaturday The piece is about 6" long and weighs about 1/2 pound. This was purchased from the Madagascar Trading Company in Tucson, directly at their wholesale office.