Pretty little trinkets have always been a human weakness. Products made from natural minerals are especially valued. Why be surprised here, because nature is able to create beauty that amazes the imagination even after careful processing. Labrador is a mineral whose beauty has given rise to many legends. Aesthetes believe that labrador products bring into their lives the living charm of nature, mysticism, that this stone revives faith in oneself and allows one to foresee the future, magicians are sure that people can be influenced through this stone. What is this mysterious mineral, why is it given so much attention?
A bit of history
It is believed that the labradorite is a mineral known to cavemen. Fans of legends associate this stone with the ancient civilization of Hyperborea. It was they who brought pieces of Labrador to the cave dwellers after their country was destroyed by a natural cataclysm. The surviving Hyperboreans were able to give up all the blessings, but they could not forget the beauty frozen in this stone.
Officially, the history of the stone dates back to 1770. It was then that in North America, in one of the provinces of Canada, a stone deposit was discovered,called "Labrador". The mineral, described by scientists, was named according to the place of the first extraction (Labrador Peninsula).
Description
Labrador is a representative of the mineral group of calc-sodium feldspars. These are common rock-forming minerals that make up about 50% of the mass of the earth's crust. Feldspars decay to form clays and sedimentary rocks.
Be sure to indicate that the labradorite (mineral class - silicates) has a complex chemical composition. In total, there are about 800 names of silicate class formations. They make up almost 90% of the minerals in the lithosphere.
The chemical composition of the Labrador is a continuous isomorphic series consisting of sodium-calcium aluminosilicates. The term "isomorphic" applies because elements can substitute for each other in covalent compounds.
Mineral Properties
The main properties of the mineral are double cleavage and double refraction. This suggests that the labradorite is a mineral that splits into plates according to crystallographic planes. And a beam of light falling perpendicular to the surface of a Labrador splits into two streams.
Another property that the Labrador is especially appreciated for is the bright iridescent tints with blue, blue, green, yellowish and reddish hues. This is due to the overlap of light waves in the plates that make up the stone.
A mineral is considered solid, but crumbles ifsqueeze it and breaks with a direct blow. Labrador can melt and dissolve in acids.
Origin
Labrador is a mineral whose origin is associated with the crystallization of basic magmas. The rock obtained as a result of natural processes is called labradorite, and it consists of labradorite and impurities of pyroxenes and other ores.
Where is it mined
Labrador deposits are being developed in Canada (Newfoundland, Labrador). The mineral was found in Mexico, the USA and Brazil, it is found on the island of Madagascar. There are deposits in the Leningrad region and Yakutia (Russia), Volyn and Zhytomyr regions (Ukraine), as well as in Finland, Australia and India.
Labrador Varieties
At different times, the Labrador was called black moonstone, bull's eye, peacock stone, sunstone and lynx eye.
Based on crystallographic and optical indicators, the following varieties are officially distinguished:
- Spectrolite, that is, a Labrador that shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow. A similar mineral is most often found in Finland.
- Black Moonstone. This is a subspecies of the Labrador with a blue and blue tint. There are unique developments of the blue Labrador in the Zhytomyr region of Ukraine.
- Sun stone, that is, a labrador - a mineral that shimmers with gold. The main production is in Oregon (USA).
Main material application
Initially, the Labrador was actively used as a facingmaterial. The mineral adorned the exterior and interior decoration of rich buildings. But the labrador is not only part of the decoration of ancient buildings, it is also used to decorate more modern architectural monuments. Labrador slabs were used to decorate the Lenin Mausoleum on Red Square in Moscow, and several Moscow metro stations were also decorated with minerals.
Labrador is a mineral that can be used not only in construction. Small and large crafts were made from it. Boxes and snuff boxes made of Labrador were especially popular. We althy citizens could afford to order sculptures. And the stone was also used for jewelry and talismans. If we talk about jewelry, then these were pendants, earrings, brooches and rings. Each product was considered unique, since it was not possible to get exactly the same things. But the talismans should be discussed separately.
The magical properties of the Labrador
In magical circles, the Labrador is considered a special stone. It enhances the natural tendency to clairvoyance and predictions. And also the labrador is a mineral, the properties of which are aimed at increasing the potential of any sorcerer and healer. Even weak abilities are greatly increased by wearing a labradorite amulet. But there is one limitation: you can use the power of the stone only for good purposes. If the magician is about to cause harm, then the Labrador can transfer the intended damage to his master.
It is believed that the stone is able to absorb negative energy. But the main thing is that hetransforms it into positive flows. Labrador charms were often placed in inconspicuous niches in the hallway of the house. Thus, the house received protection from evil people and averted troubles.
Labrador can serve as a talisman for people of art, especially for writers, poets and artists. The mineral enhances inspiration and brings glory. In addition, the stone was used to attract patrons, since in the presence of the stone, we althy patrons always wanted to do more good.
Jewelry and amulets made of Labrador were worn by unmarried girls. They served to protect against temptations and embodied the purity and chastity of their mistresses.
Modern astrologers treat the Labrador very well. They recommend jewelry made from this material for almost all signs. The only caveat is that you should not give your amulets to outsiders. Other people's hands should not touch the talismans from the Labrador.
Lithotherapy
Doctors are very skeptical about this area of alternative medicine. However, the number of fans of lithotherapy is quite large. The theory that minerals and stones have a number of therapeutic properties originated somewhere in India.
With regard to the Labrador, lithotherapists are sure that it has a general strengthening effect. In addition to wearing jewelry, you can carry out massages using stones and insist water on this mineral. This effect relieves pain in the joints and spine, eliminates inflammation of the genitourinary system, restores erectilefunction and so on.
It is believed that figurines and crafts made of Labrador can soothe, relieve overexcitation and ward off nightmares. Lithotherapy recommends the Labrador to treat depression and insomnia.
Believe it or not, everyone decides for himself. Lithotherapy has no scientific evidence, but no one really tried to refute the positive effect.
Labrador talismans and jewelry have a special impact on people experiencing pathological addiction. Drug addicts, smokers and gamers are advised to wear rings made from this stone.
The mineral labrador, the photo of which can be seen above, will not leave indifferent even the biggest skeptic. It excites the imagination and captivates with a variety of tints and shades. This is a very beautiful stone that can be used for various purposes. If you want, wear it as a talisman, if you want - decorate the interior. In any case, surrounding yourself with beautiful things is good, remember this.