- Brand: Casa de plata
- Product Code: CSR-30
- Availability: By Order
Labradorite is a gemstone that was named after Labrador in Canada, where
it was found on the Isle of Paul, near Nain in 1770. It has since been
found in other places, including Finland, Madagascar, and Australia.
After its discovery, labradorite became popular with the missionaries.
Labradorite is a plagioclase feldspar which shows adularescence (a white
or bluish light seen when turned). This optical effect is so unique to
labradorite that it has been termed "labradorescence". It is the result
of diffraction of light in the layers of rock. When viewed at certain
angles, labradorite exhibits such captivating color that has led to
Inuit legends stating that the Northern Lights shone down on the shores
of Labrador and were captured inside these colorful stones. The most
highly valued labradorite is material that shows the full spectrum of
color in its labradorescence. Labradorite that does not exhibit
labradorescence can still make beautiful gemstones because of
aventurescence, which is a glitter caused by diffraction of light from
mineral platelets.