Peristerite
Peristerite is the trade name of an iridescent and sometimes adularescent variety of albite, a plagioclase feldspar mineral.
Origin of name: from Greek Περιστερά peristera for pigeon, because the colour resembles the blue-grey colour of pigeon feathers.
Synonyms and trade names: none
Can be confused with: other feldspars like e.g. labradorite
Localities: peristerite ist rare. At the time of writing (2025) less than 50 localitites are known, the great majority in Canada and the USA. Other localities are in Norway and China. Two localities in Spain and Mexico have yet to be confirmed.
Two views of a peristerite from Hundholmen, Tysfjord, Nordland, Norway
Handling: peristerite cleaves perfectly in two directions and is quite brittle. Thus it must be handled and worn with care. Sensitive to heat, acids and brines. Do not clean ultrasonically, no galvanic bath!
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