Larvikite Gemstone Beads from Rings & Things: Larvikite, more commonly known as black labradorite, is an igneous rock that occurs only in the Oslo rift near Larvik, Norway. Like labradorite, larvikite is a coarse-grained mixture of plagioclase and feldspar. Individual grains of anorthoclase within the stone catch the light, giving it an iridescent, chatoyant quality that is often described as labradorescence.
Larvikite is light to dark bluish gray, with silvery, light-blue reflections and flecks of black. In addition to its use as a gemstone, it is popular as a facing stone on both the interiors and exteriors of buildings. Larvikite is used in New York City's United Nations building and a multitude of banks and pubs in the United Kingdom (hence the aka "pub stone"). Healers believe this stone enhances psychic abilities and helps maintain vitality and youthfulness.