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www.mineralgallery.co.za Minerals K-O |
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Labradorite |
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Name
Labradorite
Chemistry
Ca(50-70%) Na(50-30%) (Al, Si)AlSi2 O8, Calcium sodium aluminum silicate
Uses
Ornamental carvings and semi-precious stone
Color
The usually intense colors range from the typical blues and violets through greens, yellows and oranges.
Hardness
6 - 6.5.
Specific gravity
2.7-2.75
Labradorite belongs to the feldspar family.
Labradorite has a lamellar growth inside that causes the colors to be passed through the crystal in such a way that it gives of wavelengths that is seen as different colors. The resulting color effect is caused by a ray of light entering a layer and being refracted back and forth by deeper layers. This refracted ray is slowed by the extra travel through the layers and mixes with other rays to produce a light ray coming out that has a different wavelength than when it went in. The wavelength could correspond to the wavelength of a particular color, such as blue. The effect depends on the thickness and orientation of the layers. If the layers are too thick or too thin no color shiller is seen. Also if the viewer does not observe from the precise angle or if light is not supplied from the proper angle then no color shiller is seen.
At the Mineral Gallery we import directly from our source Madagascar. The pieces are handpicked. We carry a range of Labradorite items that includes eggs, balls and freeform shapes, many which are polished only on the one side. These give you the advantage of seeing both the polished and raw sides of this beautiful mineral.