May 27, 2011

What Is It? Labradorite, Ect.

Trade names for rocks and minerals are often misleading, and most of the time, it's unintentional.  Take for instance Labradorite, Spectrolite and Larvikite.  All 3 are feldspars and do have a resemblence.  Labradorite is mined in Labrador Canada.




Spectrolite is mined in Ylämaa Finland.




And Larvikite, from Larvik Norway.


(The first two pictures are mine, the Larvik is from http://www.mindat.org/ , one of the best places on the web to learn about rocks.)

These are all similar rocks, but when you have them in hand, the differences are simple to see.  I can't really explain how Spectrolite feels smoother or Larvikite is heavier to work.  If in doubt, research, research, research.  That's what the internet is for!

2 comments:

  1. I have always loved rocks. I always have my eyes on the ground hoping to find new rock treasures! Thanks for sharing.

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  2. I love all three of these stones. The larvikite I have was sold to me as "black labradorite" at Western Traders in LC. ;o LOL

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