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Labradorite Facts Birthstone Info
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Labradorite Information |
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MOH's scale of hardness : 6 to 6-1/2 |
Toughness : Fair |
Refractive Index : 1.560-1.568 (+0.008) |
Specific Gravity : 2.69 to 2.70 |
| The Labradorite name comes from the Canadian peninsula of Labrador, where it was first discovered in 1770. This gem shows an irridescence, or play of color, due to it being a sodium-rich Plagioclase Feldspar. These metallic tints are usually found in the blue and green specimens. It is probably caused by interferences of light on twinned lamellae to change the color from green in daylight to red in incandescent light. In rare instances, a color change occurs in labradorite. In fine examples, the change is typically one from a brownish-Green when the gem is under "fluorescent" lighting, or in natural outdoor light "in the shade" (not direct sunlight)... then the color changes to a brownish-Red when exposed to light in a room with only incandescent light, tungsten light, or candlelight (a flashlight will bring out the color change too). To get the maximum color change effect the gem is best viewed in a dark room with no outdoor light at all, then turn on a fluorescent light to see the green shade, then turn on a standard incandescent light bulb with the fluorescent light off to see the reddish shade. You can cycle the lights back and forth to see the distinct color change. Labradorite will normally darken when taken out into direct sunlight, since it is subjected all the colors in the spectrum, also if subjected to several types of lighting sources at the same time the colors may twinkle with both the redish and the greenish color bouncing around different facets in the stone. The better the color change, the more expensive the gem. Andesine is also in the Plagioclase Feldspar mineral group, close to Labradorite. The AGTA, and other well known laboratories, allowed the name Andesine to be given to stones that have less than 50% of Calcium (Albite Na (AISi3O8) and Anorhite (AI2Si3O8)). Copper gives the Red color to Andesine, and the clarity is exceptional. Moonstone and Sunstone are also in the feldspar group, but only fine Red Feldspar can be called Andesine. Andesine is from Oregon USA, also known as "Oregon Sunstone", but to be truly classified Andesine it must have the correct composition as well as it must be Red in color. Anything else would be classified Labradorite. Gem quality Labradorite and Andesine is a very good investment stone since it is definitely considered a "Rare" gem. TREATMENTS - Typically Labradorite is not treated. |
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