Labradorite
Image: Didier Descouens (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameLabradorite
Chemical Formula(Ca,Na)(Al,Si)AlSi2O8
Mohs Hardness6.5
Crystal Systemtriclinic
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageperfect on {001} and {010}
Fractureuneven
Specific Gravity2.7
Colorsgray, white, blue, green, yellow, orange, red
Transparencytranslucent
Type LocalityBrazil
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, ornamental stone, collector
Associated Mineralspyroxene, olivine, magnetite, ilmenite
Rarityuncommon
Description
A faceted, round gemstone displaying a striking blue iridescence (labradorescence) against a translucent grayish background, with some internal features visible.
Geological Context
Labradorite is a plagioclase feldspar commonly found in mafic igneous rocks such as basalt, gabbro, and anorthosite, forming during the crystallization of magma.
