mineral
Labradorite
(Ca,Na)(Al,Si)4O8
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness is 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Colors are dark gray, brown, or black with iridescent flashes of blue, green, and gold known as labradorescence.
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Physical properties
Hardness is 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Colors are dark gray, brown, or black with iridescent flashes of blue, green, and gold known as labradorescence.
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous rocks like gabbro, basalt, and anorthosite through slow cooling of magma deep within the Earth's crust.
Uses & applications
Widely used in ornamental jewelry, decorative countertops, and metaphysical healing collections.
Geological facts
Labradorescence is caused by light interference within microscopic lamellar intergrowths inside the feldspar crystal structure.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinct dark base color and vibrant iridescent blue or green flashes when rotated under light. Commonly sourced from Canada, Madagascar, and Finland.
