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{{short description|Variety of monzonite, an igneous rock}}
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[[File:Larvikite.jpg|thumb|Larvikite from Larvik, Norway]]
{{Infobox rock
[[File:Larvikite quarry Larvik.jpg|thumb|Larvikite quarry, [[Larvik]], 2008.]]
|name=Larvikite
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[[File:Blue Pearl Granite (larvikite) Larvik Batholith Norway.jpg|thumb|Larvikite, marketed as "Blue Pearl Granite" (showing [[labradorescence]]), is a popular decorative stone]]
|alternative_name=
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[[File:400-lys-labrabor.png|thumb|Light Larvikite with a polished surface.]]
|type=Igneous
|image=Larvikite.jpg
|image_size=
|alt=
|caption=Larvikite from [[Larvik]], Norway
|coordinates=
|composition=[[Plagioclase]], [[alkali feldspar]], [[amphibole]]
}}
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[[File:Larvikite quarry Larvik.jpg|thumb|A larvikite quarry in [[Larvik]], Norway, 2008]]
⚫
[[File:Blue Pearl Granite (larvikite) Larvik Batholith Norway.jpg|thumb|Polished larvikite (marketed as "Blue Pearl Granite"), showing [[labradorescence]], is a popular decorative stone.]]
⚫
[[File:400-lys-labrabor.png|thumb|Light larvikite with a polished surface]]


'''Larvikite''' is an [[igneous rock]], specifically a variety of [[monzonite]],<ref name="MakingLand">{{cite book | title=The Making of a Land: Geology of Norway | publisher=Norsk Geologisk Forening (Norwegian Geological Association) | author=Ramberg, I. B., Bryhni, I., Nottvedt, A. and Rangnes, K. (editors) | year=2008 | location=Trondheim | pages=268 | isbn=978-82-92-39442-7}}</ref> notable for the presence of handsome, thumbnail-sized [[crystal]]s of [[feldspar]]. These feldspars are known as ''ternary'' because they contain significant components of all three [[endmember]] feldspars.<ref name="MakingLand"/> The feldspar has partly unmixed on the micro-scale to form a [[perthite]], and the presence of the alternating [[alkali feldspar]] and [[Plagioclase feldspar|plagioclase]] layers give its characteristic silver blue sheen (Schiller effect, [[labradorescence]]) on polished surfaces. [[Olivine]] can be present along with [[apatite]], and locally [[quartz]]. Larvikite is usually rich in [[titanium]], with [[Augite|titanaugite]] and/or [[Magnetite|titanomagnetite]] present.
'''Larvikite''' is an [[igneous rock]], specifically a variety of [[monzonite]],<ref name="MakingLand">{{cite book |title=The Making of a Land: Geology of Norway |publisher=Norsk Geologisk Forening (Norwegian Geological Association) |veditors=Ramberg I, Bryhni I, Nottvedt A, Rangnes K |year=2008 |location=[[Trondheim]] |page=268 |isbn=978-82-92-39442-7}}</ref> notable for the presence of thumbnail-sized [[crystal]]s of [[feldspar]]. These feldspars are known as ''ternary'' because they contain significant components of all three [[endmember]] feldspars.<ref name="MakingLand"/> The feldspar has partly unmixed on the micro-scale to form a [[perthite]], and the presence of the alternating [[alkali feldspar]] and [[plagioclase]] layers give its characteristic silver-blue [[Lustre (mineralogy)#Schiller|schiller]] effect (called [[labradorescence]]) on polished surfaces. [[Olivine]] can be present along with [[apatite]], and locally [[quartz]]. Larvikite is usually rich in [[titanium]], with [[Augite|titanaugite]] and/or [[Magnetite|titanomagnetite]] present.


Larvikite occurs in the Larvik [[Batholith]] (a.k.a. Larvik Plutonic Complex), a suite of 10 igneous [[pluton]]s emplaced in the [[Oslo Rift]] (Oslo Graben) surrounded by ~1.1 billion year old [[Sveconorwegian orogeny|Sveconorwegian]] [[gneiss]]es. The Larvik Batholith is of [[Permian]] age, about 292-298 million years old.<ref>[https://www.flickr.com/photos/jsjgeology/14620330099/in/set-72157645699629609 Larvikite geology]</ref> Larvikite is also found in the Killala Lake Alkalic Rock Complex near [[Thunder Bay]] in [[Ontario]], Canada.<ref name="Killala">{{cite book | url=http://www.geologyontario.mndmf.gov.on.ca/mndmfiles/pub/data/imaging/S045/S045.pdf | title=Geology of Carbonatite - Alkalic Rock Complexes in Ontario: Killala Lake Alkalic Rock Complex, District of Thunder Bay, Ontario Geological Survey Study 45 | publisher=Ontario Geological Survey and the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines | author=Sage, R.P. | year=1988 | location=Toronto | pages=9–18 | isbn=0-7729-0580-0}}</ref>
Larvikite occurs in the Larvik [[Batholith]] (also called the Larvik Plutonic Complex), a suite of ten igneous [[pluton]]s emplaced in the [[Oslo Rift]] (Oslo Graben) surrounded by ~1.1 billion year old [[Sveconorwegian orogeny|Sveconorwegian]] [[gneiss]]es. The Larvik Batholith is of [[Permian]] age, about 292–298 million years old.<ref>[https://www.flickr.com/photos/jsjgeology/14620330099/in/set-72157645699629609 Larvikite geology]</ref> Larvikite is also found in the Killala Lake Alkalic Rock Complex near [[Thunder Bay]] in [[Ontario]], Canada.<ref name="Killala">{{cite book |url=http://www.geologyontario.mndmf.gov.on.ca/mndmfiles/pub/data/imaging/S045/S045.pdf |title=Geology of Carbonatite - Alkalic Rock Complexes in Ontario: Killala Lake Alkalic Rock Complex, District of Thunder Bay, Ontario Geological Survey Study 45 |publisher=[[Ontario Geological Survey]] and [[Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry|Ministry of Northern Development and Mines]] |last=Sage |first=R. P. |year=1988 |location=Toronto |pages=9–18 |isbn=0-7729-0580-0}}</ref>


The name originates from the town of [[Larvik]] in [[Norway]], where this type of igneous rock is found. Many quarries exploit larvikite in the vicinity of Larvik.
The name originates from the town of [[Larvik]] in [[Norway]], where this type of igneous rock is found. Many quarries exploit larvikite in the vicinity of Larvik.


==Formation==
==Formation==
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==Uses==
==Uses==
Larvikite is used as a building material, prized for its high polish and the labradorescence of its feldspar crystals and is often found fronting the facades of bank buildings and corporate headquarters.<ref name="MakingLand"/> It is known informally as ''Blue Pearl [[Granite]]'', although this is not an accurate description.
Larvikite is prized for its high polish and the labradorescence of its feldspar crystals, and is used as [[dimension stone]], often cladding the facades of commercial buildings and corporate headquarters.<ref name="MakingLand"/> It is known informally as ''Blue Pearl [[Granite]]'', although this is not an accurate description. Larvikite has been designated by the [[International Union of Geological Sciences]] as a [[Global Heritage Stone Resource]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Designation of GHSR |url=http://globalheritagestone.com/other-projects/ghsr/designations/ |website=IUGS Subcommission: Heritage Stones |accessdate=24 February 2019}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
{{Commons category|Larvikite}}
{{Commons category|Larvikite}}
*[http://petrology.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/21/3/499 Petrogenesis of the Oslo Region Larvikites and Associated Rocks (abstract)] Journal of Petrology, 1980, volume 21, Number 3, pages 499-531
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070323034111/http://petrology.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/21/3/499 Petrogenesis of the Oslo Region Larvikites and Associated Rocks (abstract)] Journal of Petrology, 1980, volume 21, Number 3, pages 499-531
*[http://www.springerlink.com/content/q6hp62816627x286/ Structure of the larvikite-lardalite complex, Oslo-region, Norway, and its evolution (abstract)] International Journal of Earth Sciences, 1978, volume 67, number 1, pages 330-342
*[https://doi.org/10.1007%2FBF01803271 Structure of the larvikite-lardalite complex, Oslo-region, Norway, and its evolution (abstract)] International Journal of Earth Sciences, 1978, volume 67, number 1, pages 330-342


<br>
<br>
{{Rock type}}

[[Category:Plutonic rocks]]
[[Category:Plutonic rocks]]
[[Category:Geology of Norway]]
[[Category:Geology of Norway]]

Latest revision as of 11:17, 14 March 2023

Larvikite
Igneous rock
Larvikite from Larvik, Norway
Composition
Plagioclase, alkali feldspar, amphibole
A larvikite quarry in Larvik, Norway, 2008
Polished larvikite (marketed as "Blue Pearl Granite"), showing labradorescence, is a popular decorative stone.
Light larvikite with a polished surface

Larvikite is an igneous rock, specifically a variety of monzonite,[1] notable for the presence of thumbnail-sized crystals of feldspar. These feldspars are known as ternary because they contain significant components of all three endmember feldspars.[1] The feldspar has partly unmixed on the micro-scale to form a perthite, and the presence of the alternating alkali feldspar and plagioclase layers give its characteristic silver-blue schiller effect (called labradorescence) on polished surfaces. Olivine can be present along with apatite, and locally quartz. Larvikite is usually rich in titanium, with titanaugite and/or titanomagnetite present.

Larvikite occurs in the Larvik Batholith (also called the Larvik Plutonic Complex), a suite of ten igneous plutons emplaced in the Oslo Rift (Oslo Graben) surrounded by ~1.1 billion year old Sveconorwegian gneisses. The Larvik Batholith is of Permian age, about 292–298 million years old.[2] Larvikite is also found in the Killala Lake Alkalic Rock Complex near Thunder Bay in Ontario, Canada.[3]

The name originates from the town of Larvik in Norway, where this type of igneous rock is found. Many quarries exploit larvikite in the vicinity of Larvik.

Formation

[edit]

Intrusions of larvikite in Norway form part of the suite of igneous rocks that were emplaced during the Permian period, associated with the formation of the Oslo Rift. The crystallisation of a ternary feldspar indicates that this rock began to crystallise under lower crustal conditions.[1]

Uses

[edit]

Larvikite is prized for its high polish and the labradorescence of its feldspar crystals, and is used as dimension stone, often cladding the facades of commercial buildings and corporate headquarters.[1] It is known informally as Blue Pearl Granite, although this is not an accurate description. Larvikite has been designated by the International Union of Geological Sciences as a Global Heritage Stone Resource.[4]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Ramberg I, Bryhni I, Nottvedt A, Rangnes K, eds. (2008). The Making of a Land: Geology of Norway. Trondheim: Norsk Geologisk Forening (Norwegian Geological Association). p. 268. ISBN 978-82-92-39442-7.
  2. ^ Larvikite geology
  3. ^ Sage, R. P. (1988). Geology of Carbonatite - Alkalic Rock Complexes in Ontario: Killala Lake Alkalic Rock Complex, District of Thunder Bay, Ontario Geological Survey Study 45 (PDF). Toronto: Ontario Geological Survey and Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. pp. 9–18. ISBN 0-7729-0580-0.
  4. ^ "Designation of GHSR". IUGS Subcommission: Heritage Stones. Retrieved 24 February 2019.
[edit]
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