Labradorescence is an optical effect produced not by pigmentation or surface treatment, but by the interference of light as it passes through and reflects between the ultra-thin alternating layers of two Feldspar compositions within the crystal lattice. The layers, measured in hundreds of nanometres, act collectively as a diffraction grating, decomposing incident light and returning it as spectral colour. The effect is entirely structural. It cannot be replicated, enhanced, or reproduced.
On this specimen, the Labradorescence covers the polished face in near-total saturation. The black needle inclusions of Ilmenite are distributed across the face in fine, angular networks that gives the composition structure and scale.
Madagascar has been the pre-eminent source for high-labradorescence material of this size and spectral range. Freeforms of this quality and large enough to command a plinth, polished to full optical depth, are not produced to order.
