Labradorite

  • Author(s)
    Gayle Sutherland
  • Updated
    05/12/18
  • Read time
    2 minutes
Labradorite rough, Queensland Click to enlarge image
Labradorite rough, Queensland Image: Stuart Humphreys
© Australian Museum

Feldspars is a mineral belonging to the Feldspar group, a group of common, rock forming minerals. This group produces a number of gem varieties.

Australia

An unusual type of transparent, yellow labradorite feldspar occurs in the Hogarth Range, New South Wales, and the Springsure area, Queensland. Large, clear gemstones can be faceted from this material. Care is needed when cutting and handling because of its two directions of perfect cleavage. Hardness is 6 - 6.5.