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Pair of Labradorite Monoliths

Madagascar

No reserve

Lot Closed

December 13, 08:21 PM GMT

Estimate

3,000 - 5,000 USD

Lot Details

Description

Pair of Labradorite Monoliths

Madagascar


12½ x 7 x 3½ inches (31.8 x 17.8 x 8.9 cm) and 11 x 6 x 2½ inches (27.9 x 15.2 x 6.4 cm) on custom lacquered bases. 42 pounds (19.1 kg) together.

 

These rounded and rising specimens have been polished to reveal details of its natural character, showing iridescence of blue, green, sage, purple, gunmetal, and gold tones.

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 can be as visually fascinating as the northern lights.

 

Labradorite can appear opaque and colorless; however, when the viewing angle is changed, pearly and iridescent green, blue, turquoise, purple, silver, and gold colors leap out. These apparent changes are the result of the interference of light in the mineral structure, with the beautiful specimen pair offered here being striking examples.