Glittering Stones >> Glossary >> L

Glittering Stones Glossary L

Labradorite

A type of translucent or semi-transparent feldspar which displays strong iridescence (labradorescence).

 

Lapidary

Lapidary is the art of wounding gemstones. A lapidary is one who cuts and then polishes stones.

 

Luster

A stone's luster is its glow or sometimes sheen, the result of the way it reflects light. Luster is needy on both the stone's surface (polish) and the deep index of the mineral.

 

Lapis Lazuli

Top quality lapis is a burly blue, sometimes with a hint of violet. The value of lapis decrease with the presence of white patches (calcite), but little veins of pyrite could increase the value (presence of pyrite is often a personal preference).