Labradorite Pricing, Jewelry Usage, and Detailed Insights
In the realm of gemstones, Labradorite stands out with its striking iridescent colors and unique optical properties. This frequently encountered feldspar is not only abundant but also offers a diverse range of colors, from colorless to pale yellow, green, red-orange, and even pink.
The gem's distinctive sheen and spectral colors are the result of its internal inclusions of arsenic and manganese oxides, combined with its lamellar crystal layering. These factors work together to refract light, producing the gem's famous labradorescence, particularly the notable blue flashes.
The thin layers of different compositions within the crystal cause light to diffract and reflect at varying angles, creating the vibrant iridescence known as labradorescence. This effect is most pronounced when layers are thinner, primarily producing blue tones, which are highly prized in "Rainbow Moonstone," a variety of Labradorite.
The inclusion minerals within the stone also contribute to its visual appeal. Arsenic and manganese oxides create internal patterns or banding that add to the texture and uniqueness of each specimen. These inclusions do not usually obstruct the optical effect but add to the stone's overall charm.
The interplay of light with these inclusions and layers leads to shifting colors—primarily blues, greens, and sometimes yellows and oranges—giving Labradorite its spectacular flashes of color. It is worth noting that the labradorite from Nain, Labrador, can have crystals up to 2 feet long, adding to its allure.
Labradorite's unique properties and colors are best developed in darker-colored stones. One of the best-known localities for Labradorite inclusions is Oregon, where the pleochroism is most notable. Hematite inclusions in Labradorite create an aventurescence or sparkly effect, further enhancing its appeal.
Facetable crystals can be found in Modoc County, California, and Clear Lake, Millard County, Utah. Labradorite with Schiller is also a component of many dark-colored igneous rocks used in building and construction.
For jewelry enthusiasts, faceted labradorite makes a handsome stone, but its cleavage should be minded due to its hardness being similar to moonstone or other feldspars. Large sizes of labradorite rocks are suitable for facings of office buildings.
The gem was named for its occurrence in Labrador, Canada. Interestingly, Sunstone, a gemstone known for its golden red spangles due to reflection off of parallel included flakes, is also a part of the Labradorite family. Translucent to opaque labradorite that shows blue, green, and golden Schiller colors is widely cut by hobbyists.
In conclusion, Labradorite's unique spectral colors and optical phenomena are the result of its internal inclusions of arsenic and manganese oxides combined with its lamellar crystal layering. This combination refracts light to produce labradorescence, a unique optical phenomenon that sets Labradorite apart from other gemstones. The gem's diverse range of colors, from colorless to yellow, with inclusions of minerals like hematite and copper creating a wide range of other body colors, makes it a captivating choice for both jewelry and architectural applications.
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- The unique labradorescence in Labradorite is a result of its internal inclusions of arsenic and manganese oxides and its lamellar crystal layering, making it a standout among gemstones in the jewelry, lifestyle, and fashion-and-beauty industries.
- In the home-and-garden sector, large sizes of Labradorite rocks can be utilized for facings of office buildings, showcasing their captivating display of blues, greens, and golden Schiller colors.
- Hobbyists often cut translucent to opaque Labradorite for jewelry and architecture purposes, as inclusions of minerals like hematite and copper contribute to a wide range of body colors, increasing its attractiveness in the realm of science and design.
