Where is Labradorite found?
Labradorite
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Open the appLabradorite occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Labradorite
Labrador, Canada
The type locality, where it was first discovered in 1770. Produces excellent quality material.
Finland (Ylämaa)
Source of 'Spectrolite,' a highly prized variety known for its full spectrum of colors and intense labradorescence.
Norway
Significant deposits, particularly in the Larvik region, where it is found in a rock type called Larvikite (a monzonite containing abundant labradorite).
Madagascar
Produces large quantities of good quality labradorite.
Russia
Found in various locations, including the Kola Peninsula.
United States (Oregon, New York)
Oregon is known for Sunstone, which is a variety of labradorite or oligoclase. Anorthosite bodies in the Adirondack Mountains of New York also contain labradorite.
Australia
Occurrences in various igneous rock formations.
Collecting tips
- Look in Mafic Igneous Rocks. Focus your search on areas with known occurrences of gabbro, basalt, norite, and especially anorthosite, which can be almost entirely composed of plagioclase feldspar, including labradorite.
- Examine for Labradorescence. When examining potential specimens, rotate them under a light source (preferably natural sunlight) to observe the characteristic iridescent flash of colors. This is the primary identification feature.
- Check for Cleavage. Look for two distinct cleavage planes intersecting at nearly 90 degrees. Polysynthetic twinning, appearing as fine parallel lines, may also be visible on cleavage surfaces.
- Consider Associated Minerals. Labradorite is often found alongside other mafic minerals like pyroxenes (augite), olivine, and magnetite in its host rocks.
Quick Check
- Color:
- Dark gray to greenish-gray with iridescent flashes of blue, green, yellow, etc.
- Luster:
- Vitreous to pearly, with metallic schiller (labradorescence).
- Streak:
- White
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