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Labradorite
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Labradorite ((Ca, Na)(Al, Si)4O8), a feldspar mineral, is an intermediate to calcic member of the plagioclase series. It is usually defined as having "%An" (anorthite) between 50 and 70. The specific gravity ranges from 2.68 to 2.72. The streak is white, like most silicates. The refractive index ranges from 1.559 to 1.573. Twinning is common. As with all plagioclase members the crystal system is triclinic and three directions of cleavage are present two of which form nearly right angle prisms. It occurs as clear, white to gray, blocky to lath shaped grains in common mafic igneous rocks such as basalt and gabbro, as well as in anorthosites.
Labradorescence is a side-effect of the molecular change which occurs in large crystal masses of anorthosite, producing an iridescentplay of colors similar to adularescence. This labradorescence, or schiller effect, is the result of light diffraction within the lamellar intergrowths – fine, adjacent layers of the separate materials (lamellae) comprising the whole rock phase – created when conditions do not allow for sufficient diffusion to the materials' equilibrium composition.
So that is all gobbledygook to me but what I do know is that labradorite is a beautiful stone, one of my favourites....
If you would like a chance at wining these labradorite earrings then head on over to my facebook page Silver NikNats and enter my Easter giveaway....
Have a wonderful day amazing people x
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