Spectrolite
Feldspar
Spectrolite is the tradename for the phenomenal labradorite variety from Finland. Spectrolite is known for its colorful and striking iridescence that shows blue, green, yellow, orange, and red colors. The colors are often compared to the northern lights seen in the Finnish night sky. Depending on the account, Spectrolite was discovered in either the winter of 1939-1940 or 1941 when Finland was building border fortifications during the Finnish-Russian campaign in WWII. Spectrolite mining started after the war. In 1973 a workshop was established in the Ylämaa area, Lappeenranta, South Karelia, Finland for cutting and polishing the gemstone.
General Information
LWUV: Inert to weak white
Spectrolite Colors
-
Black -
Gray -
Multi-color -
Orange -
Red
Countries of Origin
Unknown; Finland
History
Aarne Laitakari, former Director of the Geological Survey of Finland, is created with naming Spectrolite after his son Pekka discovered the stone when the Salpa Line fortifications were being built in WWII.
Care
Clean with warm water and gentle soap; dry thoroughly with a soft cloth. Do not use ultrasonic cleaners and avoid harsh chemicals. Spectrolite is a 6 - 6 ½ on the Mohs scale. It is seldom treated but may occasionally be oiled.