Pikes Peak Pebble Pups

Pikes Peak Pebble Pups

Friday, May 27, 2011

Labradorite: study specimen for the CSMS pebble pups

Labradorite is uncommon feldspar mineral that shows a play of colors when turned in the sunlight and this feature is called labradorescence.  Labradorite has a hardness of 6-6.5 and a specific gravity that ranges from 2.68 to 2.72. The streak is white and the crystal belongs to the triclinic system. Labradorite  is common in dark, mafic igneous rocks such as basalt and gabbro. This amazing mineral gets its name from being found in Labrador, Canada. It has other locations worldwide. Labradorite is found in large crystal masses.
The piece Jack is showing is a beautiful blue.  All of the Pebble Pups and Junior members of the Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society (CSMS) were given a specimen of this to take home.  Jack, one of our most hard working Pebble Pups is demonstrating the effect of labradorescence.  Jack is working very hard on the merit badge program and is going to bring one of his friends to the next CSMS Pebble Pup/Junior meeting.
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Welcome! This is the gateway to adventure and discovery

Through this blog pebble pups and junior members of the Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society can access their lessons, work on assignments and projects, and receive details about field trips in the Pikes Peak Region. This Internet program is also suitable for young people who are interested in Earth science but do not live near a rock club or gem and mineral society or for young people anywhere who want a deeper dive into these topics. The only requirement is that all participants must be members of the Colorado Springs Mineralogical Society and must fill out the CSMS membership form (under important websites) and send their registration and membership fee in. Steven Veatch is the senior instructor and will need an email from you with your name, address, phone number, and permission from your parents to participate in this program.