Labradorite Pricing, Jewelry Applications, and Factual Insights
Unique Oregon Labradorite Captivates Gem Lovers
Labradorite, a popular gemstone known for its stunning play of colors, has a less common and more vibrant cousin in Oregon. This unique variety of labradorite, distinguished by its colorless to pale yellow hue and pink Schiller effect, stands out from its counterparts found in classic sources like Labrador (Canada), Madagascar, and Finland.
Unlike traditional labradorite, which typically exhibits a gray to black base with flashes of blue, green, gold, or multicolor, Oregon labradorite often displays colorless to pale yellow but can also display green or red-orange hues with a distinctive pink Schiller. This iridescent metallic luster effect is a result of the presence of metallic copper and lead inclusions, a rarity not typically found in labradorites from places like Canada or Madagascar.
One of the key differences between Oregon labradorite and its counterparts lies in its pleochroism. While pleochroism, the phenomenon that causes a mineral to display different colors when viewed from different angles, is usually absent or weak in most labradorites, it is notably present and more developed in Oregon labradorite, particularly in darker stones.
The phenomenon of Schiller is best developed in the labradorite range of plagioclase compositions, making Oregon labradorite a standout. In contrast, traditional labradorite's captivating colors stem from layered crystal structure interference, producing a rainbow-like labradorescence without the pink Schiller tones.
Sunstone, another gemstone, derives its name from the rolling sheen of golden red spangles it exhibits. Unlike labradorite, sunstone is characterized by Zircon, magnetite, ilmenite, and rutile tablets, and is known for its aventurescence or sparkly effect due to reflection off of parallel included flakes.
While Oregon labradorite may be less common and more expensive, it is abundantly available in the 2-10 carat range, with gems larger than 20 carats considered exceptional. The best material for cutting labradorite cabochons comes from Finland, but large labradorite rocks are available in very large sizes, suitable for facings of office buildings.
The Smithsonian Institution, Los Angeles County Museum, and a private collection boast notable large labradorite gems, including a 129 carat gem from Mexico. Faceted gems up to about 130 carats are known, but fracturing of rough prevents the cutting of larger stones.
Labradorite was named for its occurrence in Labrador, and faceted labradorite makes a handsome, although unusual, jewelry stone. Facetable crystals of labradorite can be found in various locations, including New York, Texas, Modoc County, California, Finland, Clear Lake, Millard County, Utah, Nevada, Madagascar, Australia, and Oregon.
In summary, the unique pink Schiller, variations in base color (colorless to pale yellow plus green/red-orange), and stronger pleochroism due to copper and lead inclusions distinguish Oregon labradorite from the more common blue-green labradorescent stones found elsewhere. This captivating gemstone offers a breathtaking alternative for those seeking something truly unique in the world of gemstones.
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- The captivating Oregon Labradorite, with its unique pink Schiller effect, lends itself as an ideal addition to the realm of jewelry, offering wearers a rare and vibrant gemstone that deviates from the conventional blue-green labradorite.
- Pairing a textured piece of Oregon Labradorite with other gemstones and incorporating it into health-and-wellness practices has gained traction, as some believe the stone may provide balancing energies and foster overall well-being, making it a fascinating fusion of science and health-and-wellness trends.
