Hardness: 6.00
Refractive Index: 1.56-1.57
Specific Gravity: 2.70
Birthstone:
Astral Stone:
Anniversary Stone:
Origination: Finland
Care & Cleaning: As with all feldspars, avoid rough handling and intense heat. Clean with a soft polishing cloth, plain water rinse or mild solution of soap & water. Do not use stiff brushes or abrasives of any kind.
Fiction, Facts & Folklore:
Spectrolite is a member of the plagioclase feldspar mineral group.
It is closely related to the labradorite.
Spectrolite was first discovered in Yalmaa, which is also known as the Gem Village of Finland, during World War II.
A similar variety of feldspar was first discovered in nearby St. Petersburg, Russia near the end of the 18th century.
Madagascar produces a gem that is sometimes known as �Madagascar spectrolite�, but gem experts feel it is more closely related to moonstone. These authorities refer to it as �Madagascar moonstone�.
Spectrolite shows a wonderful blue shine that somewhat resembles like a searchlight piercing the dark blue sky. This phenomena is commonly known as �labradoresence�.
Spectrolite is usually seen cut en cabochon with a slight dome to display its� properties. It is also sometimes seen with a large flat cut table.
For additional information, see "labradorite."