Spectrolite
Spectrolite is a less common variety of labradorite feldspar which exhibits a richer range of colours than labradorite (that shows only tones of blue-grey-green)and high labradoresence.[1] [2][3] The variety was initially a trade name for material mined in Finland, but is now used by the trade whenever a richer display of colours is present, regardless of locality : for example, labradorite with the spectrolite play of colors has also reported from Madagascar.[4] It is often cut as a lapidary cabochon, as for plain labradorite, to enhance the effect and is used as a gemstone.
[edit] Finland deposit
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Finnish geologist Aarne Laitakari (1890—1975) had described the peculiar stone and sought its origin for years when his son Pekka discovered the deposit at Ylämaa in south-eastern Finland while building the Salpa Line fortifications there in 1940.The Finnish stone exhibits a uniquely vivid iridescence and a full spectrum of colors, hence the name "spectrolite" was coined by the elder Laitakari. This name is now applied to any labradorite of similar quality.
The quarrying of spectrolite began after the Second World War and has become a significant local industry. In 1973 the first workshop in Ylämaa became cutting and polishing spectrolite for jewels.
[edit] References
- ^ Michael O'Donoghue, Gems, Butterworth-Heinemann, 6th ed., 2006, pp. 238-267, ISBN 0750658568
- ^ Walter Schumann, Gemstones of the World, Sterling, 3rd ed., 2007, pp. 52 - 53, 182 ISBN 1402740166
- ^ http://www.minerals.net/mineral/silicate/tecto/feldspar/variety/spctrolt.htm Minerals.net Spectrolite
- ^ Michael O'Donoghue, Gems, Butterworth-Heinemann, 6th ed., 2006, pp. 265-267, ISBN 0750658568
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