Description
Larvikite is an igneous rock rich in plagioclase, primarily in flaky form. This gives it a characteristic blue-gray luster and a "shiny" appearance when polished, which is not caused by mica. Larvikite, named after the Norwegian town of Larvik where it was first described, is known for its origin in the Oslo region of southern Norway. This area contains a complex of igneous rocks, primarily monzonite. The volcanism that formed this complex has been dated to the Early Permian (297–292 Ma) using the U-Pb method. The igneous activity is thought to be associated with the opening of the present-day North Sea, a rift basin that did not lead to ocean formation, known as a "failed rift." Due to its shiny properties when polished, larvikite is often used as a natural stone for shop fronts, countertops, and other decorative purposes.
