Labradorite

Table of contents

1 Pronunciation 2 Etymology 3 Noun 4 Chemical composition 5 Physical properties 6 Related words

Pronunciation

Lab' ra dor ite

Etymology

Named for the type locality in Labrador.

Noun

1. A plagioclase feldspar, the fourth member of the Albite-Anorthite solid solution series. Often very coarsely crystalline, it is used as a decorative stone for carvings and building façades. Crystal surfaces often show a bluish reflection called "Schiller", which resembles the reflections from a butterfly's wing.

Chemical composition

• Calcium sodium aluminum silicate, Failed to parse (PNG conversion failed; check for correct installation of latex, dvips, gs, and convert): Ca_xNa_xAlSi_3O_8

Physical properties

• Moh's Hardness: 6.0
• Specific gravity: 2.71
• Color: Usually bluish-gray to dark gray
• Luster: glassy
• Fracture: conchoidal
• Cleavage: two good at about 94º to each other
• Habit: Triclinic - pinacoidal. Crystals are common and usually striated.

Related words

See Rock, Feldspar, Plagioclase