{"title":"Labradorite","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLabradorite\u003c\/strong\u003e is a calcium-rich member of the \u003cstrong\u003eplagioclase feldspar\u003c\/strong\u003e series, sitting between the \u003cstrong\u003ealbite\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eanorthite\u003c\/strong\u003e end-members with an albite:anorthite ratio typically around 30:70 to 50:50. Its defining trait is \u003cstrong\u003elabradorescence\u003c\/strong\u003e, a vivid schiller effect of electric blues, golds, greens and occasional coppery reds that flashes across an otherwise gray to charcoal-black surface. This optical phenomenon is caused by microscopic Bøggild lamellae, thin exsolution layers that form only when the host rock cools extremely slowly, acting as a natural diffraction grating for light. Chemically expressed as (Ca,Na)(Al,Si)4O8, labradorite typically forms in mafic igneous rocks such as basalt, gabbro and norite, and is frequently the dominant mineral in anorthosite bodies, where crystals up to several meters across have been documented.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe species takes its name from its type locality near \u003cstrong\u003eNain\u003c\/strong\u003e on the coast of \u003cstrong\u003eLabrador\u003c\/strong\u003e, Canada, still prized for classic anorthosite-hosted material. Finland is world-famous for gem-quality labradorite mined around the \u003cstrong\u003eYlämaa\u003c\/strong\u003e district, marketed under the trade name \u003cstrong\u003eSpectrolite\u003c\/strong\u003e for its exceptionally dense, full-spectrum play of color including deep reds and yellows rarely seen elsewhere. Madagascar's \u003cstrong\u003eAntsohamamy Quarry\u003c\/strong\u003e in Tulear Province produces abundant polished labradorite slabs and spheres, while \u003cstrong\u003eGolovinskoye\u003c\/strong\u003e in Zhytomyr, Ukraine yields fine iridescent material long used in the lapidary trade. Collectors also seek Australian labradorite from \u003cstrong\u003eBlack Hill\u003c\/strong\u003e, New South Wales, and gem-grade labradorite mined as \u003cstrong\u003eOregon Sunstone\u003c\/strong\u003e in the United States, prized for coppery aventurescent inclusions distinct from classical labradorescence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause gemmy, high-flash specimens require a very particular composition and cooling history, strongly labradorescent material remains geologically selective even though the mineral itself is a common rock-forming feldspar. Specimens are usually cut en cabochon, polished into slabs, or sliced thin and viewed wet to intensify the color flash, making labradorite equally valued by mineral collectors, lapidaries and jewelry makers. Its combination of dramatic optical play, well-documented type locality, and a spread of distinct regional varieties from Finland to Madagascar to Labrador itself gives collectors a rich range of provenance and color character to pursue within a single, affordable feldspar species.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"sm2026-labradoriti-levigate","title":"LABRADORITE – Intense Blue, Green \u0026 Gold Flash, Ampanihy, Madagascar","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking rough specimen of Labradorite displaying an intense play of color across its surface, with vivid flashes of blue, green and golden light shifting as the piece is turned. This optical phenomenon, known as labradorescence, makes each specimen a unique and captivating addition to any mineral collection or display.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMineral Data:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e from 47 x 33 x 17 mm to 59 x 50 x 30 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e from 65 g to 138 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ampanihy District, Atsimo-Andrefana Region, Madagascar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"ITALMINERAL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45784277811309,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0693\/8027\/6333\/files\/IMG20260811213618.jpg?v=1788638042"},{"product_id":"labradorite-lot-of-10-polished-tumbled-stones-intense-blue-gold-flash-madagascar","title":"LABRADORITE – Lot of 10 Polished Tumbled Stones, Intense Blue \u0026 Gold Flash, Madagascar","description":"\u003cp\u003eA striking rough specimen of Labradorite displaying an intense play of color across its surface, with vivid flashes of blue, green and golden light shifting as the piece is turned. This optical phenomenon, known as labradorescence, makes each specimen a unique and captivating addition to any mineral collection or display.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMineral Data:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e from 47 x 33 x 17 mm to 59 x 50 x 30 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e from 65 g to 138 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProvenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ampanihy District, Atsimo-Andrefana Region, Madagascar\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"ITALMINERAL","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45789557031021,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0693\/8027\/6333\/files\/collage_v2_blu.jpg?v=1788715369"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.italmineral.com\/collections\/labradorite.oembed","provider":"ITALMINERAL","version":"1.0","type":"link"}