labradorite
C2Technical/Specialist
Definition
Meaning
A feldspar mineral known for its striking iridescent play of colours, typically blues and greens.
Used both as the mineralogical term and to refer to polished specimens used in jewellery and decorative objects.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a term from mineralogy and gemmology. In everyday contexts, it's often encountered as "labradorite stone" or "labradorite gem".
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word connotes geology, gemstones, and decorative arts.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects, confined to specialist fields.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[The] labradorite [exhibits/showed/displays] [a remarkable play of colour].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In the gem and jewellery trade, referring to the quality and source of the stone.
Academic
In geology and mineralogy papers describing its crystal structure and optical properties.
Everyday
When discussing jewellery, home decor, or crystal collections.
Technical
Precise identification in geology, detailing its composition (Ca,Na)(Al,Si)4O8.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- The labradorite specimen was stunning.
- She admired the labradorite sheen.
American English
- The labradorite cabochon flashed blue.
- A labradorite countertop was installed.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She has a blue stone. It is called labradorite.
- The jeweller showed me a ring with a beautiful labradorite gem.
- Labradorite is prized for its unique iridescence, which changes with the angle of light.
- The geologist identified the plagioclase feldspar in the sample as labradorite, noting its characteristic schiller effect.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LABrador retriever with a shiny, colourful coat – LABradorite is the colourful, shiny stone.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CANVAS FOR LIGHT: labradorite is often described as holding captured light or a piece of the aurora borealis.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as "лабрадор" (which is a breed of dog). The correct Russian geological term is "лабрадорит".
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'labadorite' or 'labradoorite'.
- Confusing it with 'labrador' (the dog breed).
Practice
Quiz
Labradorite is primarily classified as what type of mineral?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different varieties of feldspar. Moonstone has a softer, milky sheen (adularescence), while labradorite has a more vivid, flashy iridescence (labradorescence).
It is named after the Labrador Peninsula in Canada, where it was first identified.
Yes, but it has moderate hardness, so it is best used in pieces like pendants or earrings that are less prone to scratches and impacts.
Spectrolite is a high-quality, intensely coloured variety of labradorite, originally found in Finland.