Labradorite from Madagascar

Collectible, Beautiful, Display Mineral • Gem Quality Specimen

Background:  Labradorite is a variety of Feldspar, originally named after being discovered in Labrador, Newfoundland (Canada). It is found in several countries, although known as Spectrolite in some locations, due to the many brilliant spectral colors of “flash” or “schiller” which can be seen when light is reflected from it. The several areas of Madagascar where Labradorite is mined provide perhaps the largest concentration of this gem mineral found on the planet. Labradorite can display an iridescent optical effect (or schiller) known as labradorescence. The term labradoresence was coined by Ove Balthasar Bøggild, who defined it (labradorization) as follows:

Labradorization is the peculiar reflection of the light from submicroscopical planes orientated in one direction (rarely in two directions); these planes have never such a position that they can be expressed by simple indices, and they are not directly visible under the microscope.

Uses:   On the hobby side labradorite great to decorate and display in your home.  Some folks like to make jewelry using the labradorite both as accent and centerpieces.  

From an educational standpoint this is wonderful example of a feldspar mineral and also a great example of a mineral creating an iridescent optical effect.  In either case,  you are welcome to request a PDF that provides you with additional information and photographs about this beautiful rock at no extra cost, just give us an electronic poke in the ribs when you check out.

Metaphysically, A stone of transformation, Labradorite is a useful companion through change, imparting strength and perseverance.  It balances and protects the aura, raises consciousness and grounds spiritual energies.  Excellent for strengthening intuition - promoting psychic abilities.  Powerful in revealing the truth behind illusions, Labradorite banishes fears and insecurities, and strengthens faith in the self and trust in the universe.  It stimulates the imagination and calms an overactive mind, developing enthusiasm and new ideas.

General Properties of Labradorite

Oxide mineral

Category Feldspar, tectosilicate

Formula (repeating unit)(Ca,Na)(Al,Si)4O8, where Ca/(Ca + Na) (% anorthite) is 50%–70%

Crystal System Triclinic

Crystal class Pinacoidal (1)

Unit cell a = 8.155 Å, b = 12.84 Å

c = 10.16 Å; α = 93.5°

β = 116.25°, γ = 89.133°; Z = 6

Identification

Color Gray, brown, greenish, blue, yellow, colorless

Crystal habit Crystals typically thin and tabular, rhombic in cross section, striated; massive

Twinning Common by Albite, Pericline, Carlsbad, Baveno, or Manebach twin laws

Cleavage Perfect on {001}, less perfect on {010}, intersecting at near 90°; distinct on {110}

Fracture Uneven to conchoidal

Mohs Hardness Scale 6 – 6.5

Luster Vitreous to pearly on cleavages

Streak White

Diaphaneity Translucent to transparent

Specific gravity 2.68 to 2.72

Optical properties Biaxial (+)

Refractive index nα = 1.554 - 1.563 nβ = 1.559 - 1.568 nγ = 1.562 - 1.573

Birefringence δ = 0.008 - 0.010

2V angle Measured: 85°

Dispersion None

Other characteristics Labradorescence (iridescent)

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