Iridescent Labradorite Polished Stone
Large finely polished labradorite stone, fantastically iridescent.
As light reflects off crystals beneath the surface of this mineral a spectrum of colours can be seen. This optical phenomenon is known as labradorescence or schiller.
Labradorescence only becomes visible as the stone reflects light from certain angles.
Although labradorite is neither rare or expensive, some fake material from China has recently appeared on the market.
Low grade material is heated to a high temperature which causes it to crack. The cracks are then filled with blue or purple dye.
In photographs the stones look impressive but once in your hand you'll see the colour is always visible and never moves.
Without light labradorite has no colour. The colour is the reflection of light.
The only light being used in our photographs was from an adjacent window.
