Thursday, August 30, 2012

Polychrome Jasper and Labadorite

The other day I received a shipment of new Polychrome Jasper and Labadorite. 



All the specimens come from Madagascar.  The Polychrome was discovered three years ago when geologists were looking for more of the Ocean Jasper, which has been mined out since 2006.  The picture Jasper has some of the most amazing colors and patterns.



In the rough, the mineral is not nearly as impressive.  The polished side of the following specimen is the next photo. 



Most of the specimens I have for sale are polished entirely.






I also have some incredible specimens of Spectrolite Labadorite. This is a complex mineral that forms from lava. Its distinctive flash of iridescent colors is known as "labradorescence." These beautiful flashes of color change according to the layers of different minerals in the specimen and the angle of light refraction, and may be blue, green, yellow, and pink.






I cannot find a map on the internet for where the Polychrome is from. I know it is from the northwest coast. Below is a map of where the labadorite comes from -- in the central part of the country.


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