The facts
What larvikite actually is
Mineralogically, larvikite is monzonite rock (ternary feldspar) — Ternary (Ba,K,Na,Ca)-feldspar rock, crystallising in the aggregate rock (triclinic/monoclinic feldspars) system.
The colour is caused by silver-blue schiller from exsolution lamellae in large ternary feldspar crystals. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.52–1.57 (feldspar components), and the specific gravity sits near 2.65–2.75; cleavage is feldspar cleavages visible on broken surfaces.
Where larvikite comes from
The recognised sources are Larvik, Vestfold, Norway.
One source only — which is unusual, and which means an origin claim naming anywhere else is either a mistake or a different material.
How larvikite is treated
Untreated as gem material; slabs used in architecture are commonly resin-backed and polished. Sold in the stone trade as 'blue pearl' or 'emerald pearl granite', though it is not a granite.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What larvikite is confused with
The usual confusions are Labradorite, Granite and Black moonstone.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.52–1.57 (feldspar components) and specific gravity 2.65–2.75 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What larvikite is used for
Larvikite is bought by architecture and interiors, carving and sculpture, decorative objects and jewellery — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the square metre, by the block or by the piece.
Durability and care
Hardness 6–6.5; cleavage feldspar cleavages visible on broken surfaces. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What larvikite costs
Indicative pricing for larvikite is Sold by the slab; cabochons $1–10/ct.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is larvikite treated, and how?
Untreated as gem material; slabs used in architecture are commonly resin-backed and polished. Sold in the stone trade as 'blue pearl' or 'emerald pearl granite', though it is not a granite.
Where does larvikite come from?
Larvik, Vestfold, Norway. That is the only commercial source.
Is larvikite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does larvikite cost?
Indicatively Sold by the slab; cabochons $1–10/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is larvikite confused with?
Most often Labradorite, Granite and Black moonstone. A refractive index of 1.52–1.57 (feldspar components) and a specific gravity near 2.65–2.75 separate it quickly.
What is larvikite used for besides jewellery?
architecture and interiors, carving and sculpture and decorative objects. Each of those trades buys it in a different form and a different unit.
Related stones
Looking for larvikite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about larvikite