Labradorite vs. Spectrolite

Hi Folks, Can anyone educate me on the relationship or differences
between Labradorite and Spectrolite? Is Labradorite just Spectrolite
found in Labrador? Sinkankas’ lapidary book only refers to
Labradorite (under feldspar), and I find no reference to Spectrolite.
He does refer to Labradorite being found in places other than
Labrador, but of course, this book is from the '60s, and nomenclature
could have evolved since then. Which one is the stuff found in
Scandinavia? The names aren’t interchangeable, are they?

Thanks for any clarification!

All the best,
Dave
Dave Sebaste
Sebaste Studio and
Carolina Artisans’ Gallery
Charlotte, NC (USA)
dave@sebaste.com
http://www.CarolinaArtisans.com

Hi Dave, Spectrolite is the trade name for Labradorite which belongs
in Feldspar group to Plagioclase species. Kind regards from Ankara,
Turkey Oya Borahan

So, Pam... We seem to have dealt with the spectrolite/labradorite
question, but you inadvertantly sparked another. Irridescent
?hematite? That's new to me. What can you (or anyone) tell me
about it? Thanks!    -- Noel 

No problem. I love “talking rocks” and am always on the lookout
for really beautiful and unique materials.

Iron oxide occurs in many places and has a widely variable
appearance. You are probably familiar with the hematite (iron oxide)
that takes a nice polish and has a metallic sheen to it.

This iridescent or specular hematite from Arizona formed in plates
and displays an iridescent play of rainbow colors. The surface is
covered with a druse of exceedingly fine crystals. I really enjoy
using this stuff.

Incidentally, it is called Hematite from the Greek word ema (->Hema)
which means blood, as hematite produces a red-colored waste when
ground.

Pam Chott
Song of the Phoenix

Dear Dave, everybody said that Labradorite is a mineral belongs to
the feldspar group. It’s true! but spectrolite is a metamorfic
mineral which changed from hematite. Regards from =DDzmir, Turkey

T=FClin =DD=E7=F6z=FC

 It's true! but spectrolite is a metamorfic mineral which changed
from hematite. 

I’m sorry to be contentious, but this is not factual; spectrolite is
a marketing name for certain labradorites. Perhaps you are referring
to specular hematite?

Jim Small
Small Wonders

Dear Kubaba, Believe you may be confusing ‘Specularite’ with
’Spectrolite’. Specularite is a form of hemetite that has tabular
foliated crystals (i.e. it might look a bit like the platelets of
Labradorite but it is of the group - oxide: corundum-hemetite…in
short it is mostly iron. Spectrolite is a Norse tradename for
Labradorite, a Plagioclase feldspar.

Cheers from Don at The Charles Belle Studio in SOFL where simple
elegance IS fine jewelry. @coralnut1