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LOT 57

A SPECIMEN OF LABRADORITE

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A SPECIMEN OF LABRADORITE
MADAGASCAR

An elegantly rising specimen, polished on all sides, showing iridescence of turquoises and blues. (50 x 21 cm), presented on a minimalist base.

Labradorite was claimed to have been "discovered" by Moravian missionaries in 1770 in the Labrador region of Canada; in reality the feldspar mineral had long been known and is mentioned frequently in the legends of the Inuit people, who referred to it as a "fire stone," and were known to grind it into powder to treat a variety of ailments. According to Inuit lore, Labradorite fell from the frozen fire of the Aurora Borealis, and indeed this mysterious mineral is just as visually fascinating as the northern lights. Labradorite can appear opaque and colorless, however when the angle of view is changed, pearly and iridescent green, blue, turquoise, silver, and gold colors leap out, produced by the interference of light in the mineral structure.

Condition Report:
To request a condition report for this lot, please email science@sothebys.com.

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Time, Location
17 Dec 2019
USA, New York, NY
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[ translate ]

A SPECIMEN OF LABRADORITE
MADAGASCAR

An elegantly rising specimen, polished on all sides, showing iridescence of turquoises and blues. (50 x 21 cm), presented on a minimalist base.

Labradorite was claimed to have been "discovered" by Moravian missionaries in 1770 in the Labrador region of Canada; in reality the feldspar mineral had long been known and is mentioned frequently in the legends of the Inuit people, who referred to it as a "fire stone," and were known to grind it into powder to treat a variety of ailments. According to Inuit lore, Labradorite fell from the frozen fire of the Aurora Borealis, and indeed this mysterious mineral is just as visually fascinating as the northern lights. Labradorite can appear opaque and colorless, however when the angle of view is changed, pearly and iridescent green, blue, turquoise, silver, and gold colors leap out, produced by the interference of light in the mineral structure.

Condition Report:
To request a condition report for this lot, please email science@sothebys.com.

[ translate ]
Sale price
Unlock
Estimate
Unlock
Time, Location
17 Dec 2019
USA, New York, NY
Auction House
Unlock