Larvikite Stone

History of Larvikite Stone

Formed between 300 and 295 million years before Christ, that is, at the beginning of the Permian period, larvikite stone was at the origin of the Oslo region’s formation during the breakup of Pangea. Larvikite crystallises near subvolcanic areas around 30 km below the earth’s surface. No date has been identified as to its discovery, but its first appearance was in the book ‘The Eruptive Rocks of Oslo’, by Waldemar Cristofer Brogger in 1894. He described Larvikite stone as a natural stone native to Norway.

Widely exploited, larvikite stone today has two types: light larvikite and dark larvikite. The quarries are primarily in Larvik in the Vestfold region and in Porsgrunn in the Telemark region. Larvikite stone takes its name after its primary deposit, Larvik. It can also be found under the names ‘bird’s eye granite’ or ‘blue granite’, in reference to its appearance. Nationally, larvikite can be found under the names ‘royal blue pearl granite’ or ‘Norwegian pearl granite’, to denote its light and dark types respectively. Choose carefully, as it comes under various trade names (not recognised by international organisations), such as ‘Norway blue moonstone’, ‘black moonstone’ or ‘labradorite’. This magmatic rock has been recognised since 2007 as the national stone of the country.

Throughout history, larvikite stone has been much showcased in the ornamentation of interior and exterior facades. Its blue variety can be seen on the United Nations headquarters in New York, the Carillon in Berlin-Tiergarten, Germany, the Oslo University Library in Norway, Barclays banks in Athens, Greece, mosques in Brunei, on Mercedes Benz’s headquarters in Copenhagen or on the Ford Building in Detroit, the United States.

Origin and Composition of Larvikite Stone

Larvikite stone is made up of more than 90% feldspars (Anorthoclase giving it its bluish colour and its ‘Schiller effect’), augite and biotite. It is a type of syenite, monzonite and is very intrusive while being low in silicates. Depending on the deposit and geographical region, larvikites varieties may feature inclusions of olivite, magnetite, amphibole, apatite, clinopyroxenes or nepheline.

Today, the primary deposits of larvikite stone are, of course, in Norway, but also in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Russia. Today, this stone is used for the crafting of larvikite bracelets and necklaces.

Litho Therapeutic Properties of Larvikite Stone

Larvikite Stone’s Mental Benefits

Mentally, larvikite stone has similar virtues to labradorite, offering a powerful protective effect against negative energies. It is an anchoring stone associated with the earth and is known for its virtues of contemplation and patience. Larvikite is frequently worn as a necklace or bracelet to ward away loneliness and prevent physical exhaustion. It should be applied at the level of the solar plexus to fully dissipate negative energies.

Larvikite Stone’s Physical Benefits

Physically, larvikite stone helps to cure skin diseases. It promotes tissue purification while harmonising the metabolism of the wearer. More broadly, Larvikite is a stone that fosters and stimulates creativity in case of difficulties.