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Labradorite Properties & Examples (Our Favorite Stone)




Labradorite is one of the most powerful protector stones of the mineral world. It is believed to create a shielding force throughout the aura that strengthens natural energies that boosts the chakras. Labradorite can seem like an ordinary rock, but the most brilliant flashes of colorful rainbow light appear with just a slight tilt. So it is no wonder that this mystical crystal has inspired many legends throughout the centuries. Quality Labradorite is an instantly recognizable stone with a stunning iridescence and gorgeous play of electrifying colors. Its beautiful color and flashes of light are so spectacular that the Inuit people believed that the stone was the Northern Lights captured in the rocks. Labradorite has been used for centuries in jewelry-making and is a popular gemstone. It is growing in popularity as more and more people turn towards powerful natural gemstones for their jewelry and gemstone healing practice.



General & Scientific Labradorite Gemstone Properties


General & Scientific Labradorite Gemstone Properties

Labradorite: Stone of Protection & Energy Alignment Mohs Hardness of 6 with a triclinic crystal structure.

Pronounced: ˈla-brə-ˌdȯr-ˌīt

What is Labradorite? Labradorite is a type of feldspar crystal containing between 30-50% Albite and 50-70% Anorthite. Get out your dictionary there are some big words coming... Labradorite is a member of the plagioclase (tectosilicate minerals... if that helps at all) series of minerals that are comprised of feldspars that range in composition of pure albite (NaAlSi3) to pure anthorite (CaAl2 Si2 O8). Labradorite is defined at approximately 50% to 70% anthorite. By definition, it must contain 50-70% calcium to 50-30% sodium in the sodium/calcium position of the crystal structure. All members of the plagioclase series usually display lamellar twinning called "Albite Twinning". The twinning is caused by an error in the crystal structure during its growth....Whew... Labradorite was named after the Labrador peninsula of Canada, where it was first discovered. As legend tells us, Labradorite was discovered in 1770 on St. Paul Island in Labrador. During an archaeological dig for artifacts of the “Red Painted People” of Maine, pieces of this stone were found as well. Quality Labradorite displays a strong iridescence when viewed from different angles. Finnish Spectrolite exhibits vivid colors of bright aqua, golden yellow, peacock blue, reddish-orange, greens, and browns. High-quality Labradorite shows Labradorescence, a Shiller effect in lustrous metallic tints, often blue and green, and sometimes amber, pink, or the complete spectrum. This effect is caused by interference of light from lattice distortions resulting from alternating microscopic exsolution lamellae of high- and low-calcium plagioclase phases. Spectrolite, considered to be the “gem quality” form of Labradorite, was discovered in Finland during World War II. Both Specimens are also found in India, Madagascar, Newfoundland, and Russia.

What Is Labradorescence? Labradorescence is the term given to the distinct shimmering iridescent color of high-quality labradorite gemstones. In tech-talk... The Labradoressence color display is from lamellar intergrowths inside the crystal. These intergrowths result from compatible chemistries at high temperatures becoming incompatible at lower temperatures and therefore causing a separating and layering of these two phases. The resulting color effect is caused by a light ray entering a layer and being refracted back and forth by deeper layers. This refracted ray is slowed by the extra travel through the layers and mixes with other rays to produce a light ray coming out that has a different wavelength than when it went in. The wavelength corresponds to the wavelength of a particular color. The effect depends on the thickness and orientation of the layers and also upon the angle of the viewer or the angle of the light source. If the layers are too thick or too thin, or if the angle of the viewer or light source is not correct then 'Labradoressence' will not be seen.

In simple terms... Labradorite has a dark body tone but it is the iridescence and clarity that gives the stone its beautiful, lively appearance. The reason why labradorite shows its flashes of color is due to the structure of its formation. Labradorite forms in layers of rock. When light is diffracted from these layers, the colors shine through. Common colors of labradorite are blue, brown, fiery orange well as a rainbow.

How to Clean and Care for Labradorite? To ensure that your labradorite stays shining and lustrous, regular cleaning is suggested. You can use soap and warm water with a soft brush to wash the crystal. Once washed, rinse labradorite in running water and dry it thoroughly. Please avoid using ultrasonic or steam cleaners when cleaning labradorite.

When storing labradorite, wrap in a cotton or velvet cloth and store separately. This keeps it free from dust and from being scratched by other items. Keep your labradorite away from chemicals such as harsh detergents, bleach, and cosmetics. It is always better to take off labradorite jewelry when applying makeup and when doing household or outdoor activities that will expose it to chemicals.



Labradorite Metaphysical Gemstone Properties

There are many qualities attributed to this beautiful, mystical stone such as good luck, protection, lucid dreaming, insight, enhanced psychic abilities, intuition, and dispelling negative energies. Labradorite, possessing its own charms, is part Feldspar and part Albite. Therefore the properties of all of these minerals make up the magic that is Labradorite. All together this fantastical stone is noted for taking darker and unwanted energies and replacing them with positive energies.


Because of the structure of this stone, Labradorite has a holographic aspect to it that can create so many variations in color. It could be used to aid almost every chakra depending on the color of the stone, and the Labradoressent flashes of light that are seen depend on the angle at which you turn the stone. This fact alone makes this crystal a very interesting stone on a metaphysical level. Just like us, Labradorite is multi-dimensional, versatile, durable, and the cracks that form while growing cause beautiful flashes of light to be seen by others depending on their perspective.


Our minds also work this way. Our experiences, stresses, and strains on our psyche can alter the way in which knowledge or information (light) enters, and as it passes through, bounces from e