Damon Mcknight
Labradorite is a member of the feldspar family of minerals, first discovered in Labrador, Canada in the 1770s. It has since been found in many locations globally, with notable distribution in Madagascar, China, Australia, Slovakia, and the United States. In Australia, labradorite can be found in the Springsure Volcanic Field in the Central Highlands Region of Queensland, as well as in New South Wales. Labradorite is formed in mafic igneous rocks and is the most common feldspar variety found in basalt and gabbro.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location in Australia | Hogarth Range, Mummulgum, Rous Co., New South Wales |
| Springsure Volcanic Field, Central Highlands Region, Queensland |
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What You'll Learn
Springsure Volcanic Field, Queensland
The Springsure Volcanic Field is located in the Central Highlands Region of Queensland, Australia. Covering an area of approximately 7,000 square kilometres, it is characterised by basaltic lavas and a central elevated region known as the Minerva Hills Volcanics. The volcanic rocks here are around 330 metres thick, and the landscape consists of plateaus with mesas.
This volcanic field is the subject of several geological studies, including those published in the Journal of Petrology and Earth and Planetary Science Letters. The Springsure area's geology was also the focus of a 1969 report by the Bureau of Mineral Resources, titled "Geology of the Springsure 1:250,000 sheet area, Queensland".
The Springsure Volcanic Field is part of the broader geological context of intraplate volcanism in eastern Australia and New Zealand. This field, along with other volcanic regions in central Queensland, showcases the mineral and whole-rock potassium-argon ages of Tertiary volcanics.
Mount Sterculia is a notable feature within the Springsure Volcanic Field. The broader region's geology, including that of Mount Sterculia, is characterised by anorogenic volcanic series of southern Queensland. This unique geological context is further explored through the lens of trace element geochemistry and O, Sr, and Pb isotopes.
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Mummulgum, New South Wales
Mummulgum is a small rural village in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, Australia, located 740 kilometres from the state capital, Sydney. The village is situated on Shannon Brook, between Tenterfield and Casino, on the Bruxner Highway (Highway 44). It falls under the local administration of the Kyogle Council, along with the surrounding area.
Mummulgum is known for its natural beauty and agricultural production. The nearest large town is Casino, located 27 kilometres to the east. According to the 2016 Census, the village and its surrounding area had a population of 95 people. The village gained some prominence due to its mention in Ajay Rochester's bestselling book, "Confessions of a Reformed Dieter," where she wrote about her life growing up on a farm in Simpkins Creek, near Mummulgum.
Mummulgum is particularly notable for mineral enthusiasts as it is one of the places in Australia where labradorite can be found. Labradorite is a calcium-enriched feldspar mineral that was first identified in Labrador, Canada, and is known for its iridescent optical effect, often displaying a range of colours. It occurs in mafic igneous rocks and is commonly associated with minerals such as olivine, pyroxenes, amphiboles, and magnetite.
The specific variety of labradorite found in Mummulgum is known as Hogarth Range labradorite. It is located within Rous County, New South Wales, and is considered a significant geological site for mineral collectors and enthusiasts. The labradorite found in this region is believed to have formed through unique geological processes, contributing to its distinct characteristics.
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Labradorite found in igneous rock formations
Labradorite is a member of the feldspar family of minerals, first discovered in Labrador, Canada, in the 1770s. It is a calcium-enriched mineral that can display an iridescent effect known as schiller or labradorescence. While it can be found in various locations worldwide, the most significant deposits are in Canada, Madagascar, India, Russia, and Scandinavia.
In Australia, labradorite is found in small deposits, contributing unique varieties to the global market. Specifically, it can be found in the Springsure Volcanic Field in the Central Highlands Region of Queensland and in Mummulgum, Rous County, New South Wales.
Labradorite occurs in mafic igneous rocks and is the most common feldspar variety found in basalt and gabbro. It is also found in metamorphic amphibolites and as a detrital component of some sediments. Common mineral associates in igneous rocks include olivine, pyroxenes, amphiboles, and magnetite.
The iridescent feldspar is a popular collector's gemstone due to its remarkable play of colour, known as colour-changing properties. The optical phenomenon is caused by a phase exsolution lamellar structure, occurring in the Bøggild miscibility gap. The effect is visible when the lamellar separation is between 128 and 252 nm, and the lamellae need not be parallel.
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Australia's contribution to the global market
Australia is a significant contributor to the global market for labradorite, a mineral that is highly sought after for its gemstone varieties and spectral play of colours, playing a crucial role in the gem and jewellery industry and decorative stone applications. Here is a detailed overview of Australia's contribution to the global market:
Australian Sources of Labradorite
Labradorite is found in various locations across Australia, with the most notable sources being in the states of You may want to see also Labradorite is a semi-precious gemstone that can be found in various locations around the world, including Norway, Finland, Poland, and other Scandinavian countries. The gemstone is particularly abundant in Norway, especially in the northeastern and southeastern areas of the country. The entire region of Nordic countries in Northern Europe is home to significant sites for the mining of Labradorite and other gemstones. In Norway, the gemstone can be found in the south-eastern region around Langesund, as well as in the area of Rogaland, where Stavanger is located. There are also Labradorite mines close to Tromsø. The gemstone is a member of the feldspar group of minerals, which crystallize in magma and can take on various shapes, sizes, and colours. Across the border in Finland, Labradorite was discovered by accident during World War II when soldiers planted explosive traps to keep out Russian tanks. Some of these explosions unearthed deposits of Labradorite, as well as a rarer variety known as Spectrolite, which is found exclusively in Finland. Spectrolite displays a unique optical phenomenon known as 'labradorescence', where iridescent flashes of colour refract off the gemstone's surface. The abundance of Labradorite in Scandinavia, particularly in Norway and Finland, has contributed to the region's global fame for its geology. The gemstone's stunning iridescence and multicoloured hues, ranging from blue and violet to green and gold, have made it a popular choice for jewellery and crystal lovers alike. You may want to see also Labradorite can be found in the Springsure Volcanic Field in the Central Highlands Region of Queensland, Australia. Labradorite is a member of the feldspar family of minerals, displaying an iridescent effect known as schiller or labradorescence. Labradorite is found in many locations globally, including Canada, Madagascar, India, Russia, Scandinavia, Poland, Norway, Finland, Slovakia, the United States, and Mexico. The most significant deposits are located in Canada, Madagascar, India, Russia, and Scandinavia. Labradorite was first identified in Labrador, Canada in the 1770s, although it was known to indigenous peoples long before that. The mineral was named after the Labrador Peninsula in eastern Canada, where large deposits were mined.Gold Discovery in Australia: A Historical Map Overview
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Labradorite deposits in Scandinavia
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