Blue Eyes

Synonyms Stones can have many aliases. This is due to language differences, supplier choice, coloquial trends or slang, or sometimes errors and ambiguity between rocks. Read more here.	Labrador Blue Eyes
Category Commercial classification sometimes differs to the scientific, geological designation. In particular, some limestones are deemed marble especially if they take a high polish. Read more here.	Granite
Petrographic assignment	Anorthosite (Plutonite)
Age	600 to 550 million years (Pre-Cambrian)
Colouring minerals:	White brownish, light dark grey plagioclase (labradorite)
Average hardness MOHS is the standard scale of hardness for minerals 1-10, with 10 being the MOHS of diamond. We also use the broad terms Hard and Soft for simplicity. Read more here.	6-7 (Hard)
Origin	Canada

The images of each stone aim to give a faithful representation of the structure and colouring. The close-ups are generally taken from a sample around 100mm in height to get the detailing of the grain and crystals. The slab images are usually between 2000x1000mm and 3000x1900mm approximately, to give a more overall picture of the pattern. This is for guidance only, when seeking a specific pattern and colour matching, please obtain a sample or arrange for the slab to be viewed in person. When placing the order, you may require a photo of the actual slab before production, the colour and character can vary significantly even throughout the same block within natural materials. Also monitor calibration, camera settings and lighting can all effect how the materials are perceived.

A trade marked granite material discovered in 1994. Medium-grained, light grey plagiochase feldspar anorthosite of the Precambrian period.
From the north coast of the Labrador peninsular, near the town of Nain. Intensive blue iridescent areas punctuate the slab. Only 1 quarry exists.

Popular and typical usage

Bathroom Surfaces:65%

Kitchen Worktops:95%

Petrology:Blue Eyes is a bright grey, medium-grained rock that consisting mainly of labradorite. Striking bright blue to green, shimmering labradorite crystals sparkle over the polished surface. The marvellous blue sheen is produced by fine refraction lamella within the crystals of the labradorite. The black silicate fractions may sometimes appear stripe-like in the otherwise uniform structure.

Petrogenesis:Geologists describe igneous rocks where the feldspar contains mostly calcium as anorthites. Blue Eyes is mostly labradorite. Anorthites occur as independently existing plutons (complexes of igneous rocks) but more frequently as layers and bands in differentiated gabbro plutons. As a consequence of very extended periods of cooling, over millions of years, the magmas crystallised out into massive, medium to coarse grained rock.

Wear Resistance A high wear resistance will often mean a material is suitable for flooring and outdoors. Its is good for work surfaces as it will take some punishment before marking or losing its polish. Softer materials benefit from being re-worked more easily should the need arise. They can also more readily mature into their settings or be antiqued by design. People often overlook the less hard wearing stones for fear of maintenance and longevity issues. Whilst there are some valid concerns there is no rule for everyone, choose first what you like then decide on the practicality of the options. Some people appreciate the maturation and the patina taken on by some natural materials, others prefer a pristine look that will change little over time. :	High
Porosity Every natural stone has a degree of water absorption. Sealing products exist to stop water ingress and protect against staining, but some stones are more susceptible than others. A highly polished surface is also more resistant to fluids than the rougher, more open surfaces of honed and brushed finishes. All spills should be wiped up in good time to prevent stains and marks. :	Low

Wear Resistance

A high wear resistance will often mean a material is suitable for flooring and outdoors. Its is good for work surfaces as it will take some punishment before marking or losing its polish. Softer materials benefit from being re-worked more easily should the need arise. They can also more readily mature into their settings or be antiqued by design. People often overlook the less hard wearing stones for fear of maintenance and longevity issues. Whilst there are some valid concerns there is no rule for everyone, choose first what you like then decide on the practicality of the options. Some people appreciate the maturation and the patina taken on by some natural materials, others prefer a pristine look that will change little over time.

High

Porosity

Every natural stone has a degree of water absorption. Sealing products exist to stop water ingress and protect against staining, but some stones are more susceptible than others. A highly polished surface is also more resistant to fluids than the rougher, more open surfaces of honed and brushed finishes. All spills should be wiped up in good time to prevent stains and marks.

Low

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Blue EyesFriday, July 12, 2013Admin