The world of gemstones can be exciting, but it can also be confusing for those who haven't studied gems in depth. Common gemstone names that everyone might know are not always the basic scientific name; for example, emerald, aquamarine, morganite, green beryl, and goshenite are all forms of beryl that differ only by color and some quality markers, leading to confusion when stores sell items like "yellow emeralds" or "pink beryl."

Labradorite has been one of the few gemstones that didn't have this sort of confusion swirling around it, at least not until a few years ago. Labradorite's distinct shimmer and blue-black-green-brown colors made it one of the more recognizable gems. However, there is a form of labradorite called andesine-labradorite, and that has created a lot of controversy and confusion for those who want to buy real labradorite.

Andesine-Labradorite vs. Labradorite

Andesine-labradorite is a reddish or orange stone that is translucent when faceted and that contains shimmery copper inclusions, as well as rutile material just like labradorite. Its color contains flashes of green and yellow.

The story behind andesine-labradorite is convoluted. Years ago, a reddish gemstone came on the scene, with its origins placed variously in the Congo, China, and other countries. A deposit of the stuff was supposedly found in the Andes, so the stone was given the name "andesine."

Gemologists later found that the stone was actually a variety of labradorite; both have a composition of albite and anorthite, with labradorite generally having more anorthite and andesine having more albite. Andesine's name was changed to andesine-labradorite. However, it was then discovered that a lot of the andesine-labradorite available, especially the red types, were actually plain labradorite that had more of a yellowish cast, except it was treated to change the color and other aspects of the appearance.

Confusion With Sunstone and Oregon Sunstone

Two particular problems have emerged. One is that, for people who just want to buy labradorite, the addition of this "andesine-labradorite" to stores means that people may choose a stone that has been modified and treated in the name of getting something unusual. The other is that this treated andesine-labradorite is also often passed off as sunstone or Oregon sunstone. Sunstone is a feldspar just like labradorite, and Oregon sunstone is a type of sunstone that is known for its schiller effect, or its shimmery copper inclusions. Given that andesine-labradorite is often treated to have similar inclusions, you can see what the problem is: Andesine-labradorite is often sold as Oregon sunstone, which it's not.

If you want to buy labradorite, make sure you buy the real stuff. True labradorite offers shifting colors and patterns that allow you to buy something unique even if you don't look at treated reddish versions. It's a moderately tough stone that lasts for a long time with proper care, and it is relatively affordable.

To learn more, contact a labradorite supplier.

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