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From: Holt <jeranor AT ptialaska.net>
Dave, Labradorite and spectrolite are both feldspars, the
difference being in the background color. The type found in Finland
which has a dark gray to black background is called spectrolite,
whereas the lighter Labradorite is found in Labrador of course, but
also in Madagascar. Labradorite of varying shades and degrees of
translucence is found in other parts of Eastern Canada, the
Ukraine, Urals, New Mexico, Vermont and Arkansas., according to
books by R. Webster and R. Liddicoat. Jerry in Kodiak
From: Beth Rosengard <bethrosengard AT earthlink.net>
> Is Labradorite just Spectrolite found in Labrador?
Actually, spectrolite is labradorite found in Finland! Labradorite
is the "umbrella" name for a particular kind of feldspar named after
a primary location in Labrador. Spectrolite usually designates a
particularly high quality labradorite that is mined in Finland.
Rainbow moonstone (which is generally not moonstone, i.e., adularia
or albite, at all) is also labradorite. Beth
From: <songofthephoenix AT pobox.com>
> Hi Folks, Can anyone educate me on the relationship or differences
> between Labradorite and Spectrolite?
Hi Dave. My understanding from research done years ago is this:
Labradorite occurs in multiple locales and is characterized by a
blue and green iridescent play of color. This iridescence is
exhibited particularly well in material first discovered in Finland
in the 1940's. Spectrolite is the name used to distinguish this
particularly brilliant Finnish material from other occurrences of
Labradorite.
> Which one is the stuff found in Scandinavia? The names aren't
> interchangeable, are they?
So the names are interchangeable in one direction - Spectrolite is
Labradorite but not all Labradorite is Spectrolite. :-)
Hope this helps. A piece using Spectrolite - the image was scanned
from slide and is a bit dark:
http://www.songofthephoenix.com/larger_amphora_.php3
Pam Chott Song of the Phoenix
From: Jim <jsmall47 AT earthlink.net>
Dave - The term "spectrolite" made its appearance in the late 70s;
it was used in the marketing campaign for Finnish labradorite. To
the best of my awareness, it (spectrolite) is not a proper
mineralogical designation, but is strictly a marketing designation.
The issue is confounded by the use of "spectrolite" to describe the
labradorescent moonstone from Madagsacar. (another funny thing -
"rainbow moonstone" from India is really a labradorite!) Mineralogy
and marketing make very strange bedfellows.
Jim Small Small Wonders
From: Gary Bourbonais <gwb AT execpc.com>
Hi Dave and List. Myself being half Finlander in ancestry.
Spectrolite is a Labradorite variety that comes out of Finland only.
shows colors of the spectrum moreso than other Labradorite which is
usually a blue, green or brownish metallic sheen. although I've seen
a "peacock" Labradorite (at least it was identified as such) that
showed spectrum iridescence in a "peacock feather" patch within
There's also a rock out of Norway that has large pieces of feldspar
within it that resembles Labradorite called Larvikite, it's used for
building purposes not as a gem material..
Hope that helps.. Gary W. Bourbonais
From: "Jim Turner" <jwt33 AT hotmail.com>
Dave- Spectrolite is a variety of Labradorite Feldspar, predominantly
found in Finland, that has a white to colorless body and a vivid
display of multiple colors. It is commonly referred to as Rainbow
Moonstone. Labradorite most commonly occurs with a dark body with a
single color flash, usually blue or yellow.
Hope that answers your question! James W.Turner, G.G.
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