Custom Cut Polished & Wire Wrapped Labradorite/Spectrolite Set: Earrings Necklace/Pendant/Slide/Enhancer Sterling Silver .935
Over all size: Necklace/Pendant 1 9/16 × 11/16 inch or 40 x 17mm. Earrings: 1 x 1/2 inch or 25 x 12mm One of a kind set.
Some specimens of labradorite exhibit a schiller effect, which is a strong play of iridescent blue, green, red, orange, and yellow colors as shown in the photographs. Labradorite is so well known for these spectacular displays of color that the phenomenon is known as "labradorescence."
Labradorite is a mineral in the plagioclase series, and it shares many of the properties of plagioclase minerals. It has a Mohs hardness of about 6 to 6 1/2 and two distinct directions of cleavage that intersect at an angle of about 86 degrees or 94 degrees. Plagioclase minerals frequently exhibit twinning and striations on cleavage faces.
Labradorite is the only mineral in the plagioclase series that exhibits strong labradorescence; however, many specimens of labradorite do not exhibit the phenomenon. Without seeing labradorescence, distinguishing labradorite from other members of the plagioclase series can be difficult. The methods used for distinguishing them are x-ray diffraction, chemical analysis, optical tests, and specific gravity determinations on pure specimens.
Labradorite is named after its location of discovery on the Isle of Paul, near Nain, Labrador, Canada. It was discovered there in 1770 by a Moravian missionary.
Labradorite with superb labradorescence is produced from a few deposits in Finland. The best of this material was given the name "spectrolite" by the director of the Geological Survey of Finland. Today, specimens of labradorite with exceptional labradorescence from other locations are frequently called "spectrolite."