Let’s talk about a feldspar mineral by checking Facts about Labradorite. The percentage of anorthite in labradorite is around 50% to 70%. Labradorite is included in plagioclase series since it is calcic. Moreover, this mineral has the specific gravity in 2.68 to 2.72. It is very common to spot twinning in labradorite. Can you guess the refractive index of labradorite? It falls around 1.559 to 1.573. Just like silicates, the streak of labradorite is white. Here are other interesting facts about labradorite:
Facts about Labradorite 1: the crystal system of labradorite
The crystal system that labradorite has just like other members of plagioclase series. It has the triclinic system.
Facts about Labradorite 2: the stunning system
The crystal system of labradorite is unique and stunning. The system falls in three directions.
Facts about Labradorite 3: where to find labradorite?
Do you know where to find labradorite? It can be found in Paul’s Island. The location of the island is nearby Nain town of Labrador, Canada. Furthermore, labradorite is also spotted in Norway and other regions.
Facts about Labradorite 4: the occurrence of labradorite
Let us find out the occurrence of labradorite. The mafic igneous rocks usually contain the labradorite.
Facts about Labradorite 5: anorthosite bodies
In rare cases, labradorite can be found on the entire bodies of anorthosite. It can be found in igneous rocks like magnetite, amphiboles, pyroxenes and olivine.
Facts about Labradorite 6: labradorescence
Have you ever heard about labradorescence? Labradorescence is a term used to call the unique optical effect displayed by Labradorite. The optical effect is iridescent.
Facts about Labradorite 7: who coined the term labradorescence?
Ove Balthasar Bøggild was the person who coined the term labradoresence. He also created a definition of labradorization.
Facts about Labradorite 8: the explanation related to the effect and cause of labradorescence
Rayleigh (1923) and by Bøggild (1924) had defined and explained the cause and origin of labradorescence effect.
Facts about Labradorite 9: the cause of optical effect
Phase exsolution lamellar structure, which takes place in Bøggild miscibility gap, is cited as the cause of the optical effect in labradorite.
Facts about Labradorite 10: spectrolite
Spectrolite is another term that you need to note if you are interested to study more about Labradorite and its effect. It is used to call the varieties of gemstones of labradorite, which have high level of labradorescence.
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