metamorphic

Labradorite-bearing gneiss or altered feldspathic rock

Plagioclase-rich gneiss, locally labradorescent; composition likely plagioclase feldspar, quartz, mica, and iron-oxide veining

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Gray-blue to greenish body with orange-brown rusty veins and a glassy to pearly sheen; likely hardness 6–6.5, Mohs, with feldspar cleavage and granular crystalline texture. The blue flash suggests labradorescence from oriented plagioclase lamellae, though the specimen may also be polished or weathered.

Identified September 12, 2026More metamorphic →

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At a glance

Common name: Labradorite-bearing gneiss or altered feldspathic rock
Scientific name: Plagioclase-rich gneiss, locally labradorescent; composition likely plagioclase feldspar, quartz, mica, and iron-oxide veining
Category: metamorphic
Identified: September 12, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

About $5–$30 for a hand specimen; $30–$150 or more for strongly iridescent, well-polished material.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed by metamorphism of feldspathic igneous or sedimentary protoliths at moderate to high temperature and pressure, commonly during Precambrian continental crust formation; the rusty zones reflect later oxidation along fractures.

Uses & applications

Used mainly as a lapidary, ornamental, and collecting stone; attractive labradorite-rich material can be cut into cabochons, slabs, and decorative objects, but this piece appears more suitable for collecting than construction.

Geological facts

Labradorescence is an interference effect caused by microscopic exsolution layers within feldspar, producing blue, green, or gold flashes when tilted under light.

Field identification & locations

Look for planar foliation or banding, feldspar cleavage, gray-blue flashes that change with viewing angle, and iron-stained fractures. Common sources include Labrador and Newfoundland, Canada; Madagascar; Finland; Norway; and parts of the United States.