Labradorite, Natural, Faceted Rice Beads, One 6x8mm Strand

Labradorite, Natural, Faceted Rice Beads, One 6x8mm Strand. 

This price is for one strand 15 to 16 inches long. 

6x8mm rice bead strands about 40 pieces.

Labradorite is a feldspar mineral that is most often found in igneous rocks. What sets the stone apart from other semi-precious stones are the multicolor streaks inside. The minor fractures within the stone reflect light in a way that is bounced back at different wavelengths. This reflection at varying wavelengths is what brings out the beautiful colors and give it the amazing iridescence. Lapidaries must do a careful study of the material so that the finished stone will be oriented to produce the best full "face-up color." When cut correctly for proper angle, high quality material displays a bright flash of color(s).

Labradorite generally has a gray-green, dark gray, black or grayish-white base while having streaks of peacock blue, copper, gold, and light green. 

Labradorite was first discovered in Labrador, Canada. The ancient Inuit’s believed that Labradorite was the frozen fire of the Aurora Borealis. Other deposits of the mineral have been found in Newfoundland, Finland, Russia, Ukraine, and Madagascar.

Hardness 6-6.5

This is a natural stone that has had no treatment other than cutting, drilling, and polishing in China.