Larvikite

“Norway's shimmering moonstone rock”

Igneous

Larvikite is a distinctive coarse-grained igneous rock featuring large feldspar crystals that display a captivating blue-silver iridescence called Schiller effect. This intrusive rock formed about 298 million years ago and is so iconic that it was designated Norway's national rock.

Composition

ternary feldspar, nepheline, biotite, augite, titanite, apatite

Where Found

Larvik (Norway — the only major source), used as building stone worldwide

Mohs Hardness

6-6.5

Fun Fact

Larvikite is used as a facing stone on buildings across the globe — look for shimmery blue-gray stone on storefronts and you may spot it in your own city.