LABRADORITE

Labradorite Buddha carving

Species:  Labradorite
Group:  Feldspar
​​Mohs Hardness:  6 to 6.5 out of 10
Color:  Usually gray to nearly black, with blue or green labradorescent color flash
RI:  1.559 to 1.568 (+/- 0.005)
Birefringence:  0.009
SR/DR/AGG:  DR
Clarity Type:  Type II
Optic Character:  Biaxial positive.
Pleochroism:  None
Spectrum:  Not diagnostic
Fluorescence:  Inert to patchy white under LW and SW
SG:  2.70 (+/- 0.05)
Routine Treatments:  None
Additional Enhancements:  Bleaching, dyeing, polymer impregnation

Labradorite Facts

Labradorite pendant

Labradorite is a member of the feldspar group.
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Labradorite is a phenomenal gem that displays a unique phenomena called labradorescence.

Labradorite was first discovered around 1770 in Canada's Labrador region.​
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Labradorite carving that looks like a shell

All photos courtesy of Scott Papper, GIA GG, AJP, CMA (NAJA)