Labradorite
| Colour | Gray, Blue, Green, White, Clear |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 6–6.5 |
| Lustre | Vitreous to pearly on cleavages |
| Streak | White |
| Crystal system | Triclinic |
| Transparency | Translucent to transparent |
| Cleavage | Perfect on {001}, less perfect on {010}, intersecting at near 90°; distinct on {110} |
| Fracture | Uneven to conchoidal |
| Chemical formula | (Ca,Na)(Al,Si) 4 O 8 (Na:Ca = 30:70 to 50:50) |
| Specific gravity | 2.68 to 2.72 |
What is Labradorite?
Labradorite ((Ca, Na)(Al, Si)4O8) is a calcium-enriched feldspar mineral first identified in Labrador, Canada, which can display an iridescent effect (schiller).
How to identify Labradorite
- Lustre: Vitreous to pearly on cleavages.
- Hardness: Mohs 6–6.5 — about as hard as a steel knife.
- Streak: White.
- Habit: Triclinic crystal system.
Labradorite in different forms
Stones often confused with Labradorite
Frequently asked questions
How hard is Labradorite?
Labradorite is Mohs 6–6.5 on the hardness scale.
What colour is Labradorite?
Labradorite is typically gray, blue, green, white, clear (Gray, gray-white, or colorless with blue, pale green, or brown iridescence Spectrolite: may display pink, orange, or pur).