Stone Type - Labradorite

Labradorite is a fascinating mineral known for its unique color play and physical properties. Here are some details:

• Chemical composition : Labradorite is a feldspar mineral with the chemical formula NaAlSi3O8 . It consists mainly of sodium, calcium, aluminum, silicon and oxygen .
• Physical Properties : Labradorite is a calcium-rich feldspar, with enclosed crystals that create a special effect in the light . The crystals of labradorite form in a triclinic manner, often without symmetry . The Mohs hardness of labradorite is between 6 and 6.5 .
• Play of colors : Labradorite is known for its iridescent play of colors in metallic shine, the so-called labradorescence . This effect is caused by the refraction of light at tiny inclusions in the mineral . The shimmer is predominantly blue, violet and green , but can occasionally be found in other colors .
• Occurrence : Labradorite is most commonly found in formations that occur within other igneous rocks . Important sites include Québec and Nain in Labrador/Canada, the Korostanskiy massif in Ukraine, Yl ä maa in Finland, the area around Larvik in Norway and Madagascar .