Labradorite (Feldspar)

Color: Pale yellow to gray with play of color, quality material has a rainbow like sheen
Moh’s Hardness: 6-6.5
Refractive Index: 1.52-1.568
Critical Angle: 41.14°
Specific Gravity: 2.69-2.70
Cleavage: Perfect
Fracture: Uneven, somewhat brittle.
Dispersion: Low (.012), but the combination of a high polish and minute inclusions can simulate the effect of moderate dispersion.
Heat Sensitivity: Moderate in my experience
Dichroism: Weak
Birefringence (double refraction): Weak to medium (.005-.01)
Crystal Structure: Triclinic

Treatments: Generally none

What I prefer to polishing with: Cerium oxide with a Spectra Ultralap.

Jeff's Comments: Cuts and polishes easily, use a medium fine lap like a 600 grit for roughing in because a coarse lap can sometimes aggravate cleavage. Cleavage usually is not a problem, sharp corners have a tendency to chip out sometimes during cutting. Orientate the sheen up through the table if there is schiller present.

Design Notes: About any Quartz design will work well... I prefer a deeper design and often cut Barions...

Design Links:
Tzar - High dome will help improve color and sparkle

Rough Links:
Feldspar - Index to Feldspar
Sunstone Collector - Oregon Sunstone Collector pieces
Labradorite - Mexico, Oregon, et...
Orothoclase - Yellow, gold, champange
Sunstone - Oregon Colored Sunstone
Sunstone 2 - Oregon Colored Sunstone (light schiller)
Sunstone 3 - Oregon Colored Sunstone (schiller)
Sunstone Carving - Oregon Colored Sunstone Carving

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E-mail to inquire or order: jeff@faceters.com