Orange and red stones of every kind stood out at this year’s Tucson gem show, but only one “really” stood out... a spectacular reddish-orange feldspar with an identity crisis called fire labradorite.
Labradorite is related to both sunstone and moonstone. It’s named from a find on the Labrador peninsula in Canada, however this intriguing stone can also be found in North...read more
Orange and red stones of every kind stood out at this year’s Tucson gem show, but only one “really” stood out... a spectacular reddish-orange feldspar with an identity crisis called fire labradorite.
Labradorite is related to both sunstone and moonstone. It’s named from a find on the Labrador peninsula in Canada, however this intriguing stone can also be found in North America, Madagascar, Mexico, Russia and also Nepal. And, while many of its varieties appear opal like with shifting colorplay called labradorescence, this stone can also appear in rich, vibrant hues with its colorplay phenomenon creating explosive fire instead of subtle shifts of light. My latest fascination is with the latter.
Now less than 1% of all labrodorite is gem quality, which translates to 100% more time tracking some down. One look at this ring, and I think you’ll agree it was time well spent. It’s like a breathtaking sunset contained in almost two total carats. Will more gem-quality fire labradorite be found? I can’t say for sure. But I recommend you don’t let the sun go down on this deal.
