Andesine Labradorite
The world of gemstones is one that keeps on growing with the introduction of new gemstones in the market. There have been many inclusions to the world of gemstones over the past years. And one of the latest inclusions to this list of gemstones is the gemstone call Andesine Labradorite, which brings with itself, an aura of mystery.
In fact, there are a few mysteries associated with Andesine Labradorite; the first one being that no one knows exactly how to label it. It is called both Andesine and Andesine Labradorite. It is said that the reason the Andesine Labradorite is named so is because it is a feldspar variety with a composition that borders the characteristics of Andesine and Labradorite. This is thus it is one of the rare gemstones, and it is only the true connoisseur who knows the true value of this gem.
Mystery of the Origin of Andesine Labradorite
The second mystery surrounding the stone is about its origin, as no one can quite pinpoint where it comes from. Some reports state that it comes from the Congo, some from Mongolia, some China, some Tibet and some reports state that it comes from South India. However, the gemstone got its name based on its first discovery, which was in the Andes Mountains of South America.
Andesine Labradorite is a gemstone that is hard to find and therefore is classified as semi-precious, and if available is found in small quantities. It is basically is part of the feldspar group, which is the same group in which Moonstone is located. However Moonstone is in a class of Orthoclase Feldspars while Andesine is in the class of Plagioclase Feldspars which includes Labradorite, Andesine, Oligoclase and Bytownite.
However don’t confuse Andesine with Oregon Sunstone which is Plagioclase feldspar with shiny metallic ‘schillers’ that are caused by reflections of light on tiny hematite, copper or goethite platelets.
Characteristics of Andesine Labradorite
Andesine Labradorite is found in various colors that range from red to honey-red to orange, green, yellow and champagne. Its hardness level on the Mohs scale is 6 to 6.5, while the stone has a vitreous to dull luster.
Andesine Labradorite is a gemstone that is transparent to translucent, with perfect cleavage. Its hardness does not suggest this gemstone the best to be used in Andesine Labradorite rings though it is as hard as Tanzanite.
2008 -A Special Year for Andesine Labradorite
2008 is slotted to be a special year for this gemstone as it is the gemstone of the Olympics. In fact, the exact type is the Tibetan Andesine. This is quite understandable, considering the splendor these stones emit. The red Andesine Labradorite is a rich red colored gemstone that has a glow that cannot be captured in a photo. View our Andesine category to see for yourself!
And it is because of these characteristics that Andesine Labradorite jewelry is so phenomenal and attractive. The red color of the gem draws anyone to it while the rich green variety of the stone tends to show a color shift towards red. A great addition to be made to the jewelry collection of any woman.
Copyright 2008 Paraiba International