Mineralpedia Details for Labradorite
Labradorite
A variety of Anorthite feldspar, Labradorite is named for the type locality for the variety on Paul Island off the coast of Labrador, Canada. Uncommon, but widespread, Labradorite can be found in other Canadian localities, in the United States, Mexico, Italy, Finland, Norway, and Iceland among many others. Labradorite exhibits a readily identifiable iridescence with plays of rainbow-esque colors. Labradorite forms in mafic igneous rocks, anorthosites, sometimes in amphibolites, and as detrital grains in sedimentary rock.
Ref. Handbook of Mineralogy, Anthony et al (1995) and MSA at http://www.handbookofmineralogy.org/pdfs/labradorite.pdf
- Formula
- Na0.5-0.3Ca0.5-0.7Al1.5-1.7Si2.5-2.3O8
- Crystal System
- Triclinic
- Crystal Habit
- Granular, Crystalline - Coarse, Striated
- Cleavage
- Perfect, Good, Distinct
- Luster
- Vitreous (Glassy)
- Color
- colorless, gray, gray white, white, light green
- Streak
- white
- Class
- Triclinic - Pinacoidal
- Fracture
- Uneven
- Hardness
- 7
- WebMineral
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- Mindat
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Labradorite from St. Paul Island, Labrador, Canada
Blue to yellow play of colors distinguishing this mineral from others in the Feldspar group.
Click thumbnail images for larger view.
