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Definition of labradorescence

A type of schiller, an iridescent-like optical interference of light caused by diffraction from microscopic, pervasive sub-surface exsolution lamellae in some labradorite samples (rarely also in some bytownite), in particular where it contains appreciable K. This is due to the presence of a miscibility gap, causing exsolution of orthoclase. Labradorite, a Na-rich anorthite feldspar, showing this effect has been termed spectrolite, and can form a syenitic rock called larvikite, used as a building stone.

Compare with iridescence.

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Labrador



References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labradorite#Labradorescence
Yan-ju, Peng; Xue-mei, He; Qin-fang, Fang (May 2008), "Exsolution lamellar structure causes of iridescence in labradorite: evidence from TEM", Acta Petrologica et Mineralogica
Bøggild, Ove Balthasar (1924), "On the Labradorization of the Feldspars" (PDF), Kongelige Danske Videnskabernes Selskab, Mathematisk-fysiske Meddelelelser, 6 (3): 1–79


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