Labradorite
Feldspar group, Plagioclase series (Labradorite variety) · Semi-Precious Gemstone and Decorative Stone
Crystal System
Triclinic, commonly found as massive, granular, or tabular crystals
Mineral Group
Silicates, specifically Tectosilicates
Chemical Formula
(Na,Ca)(Al,Si)4O8
Formation Process
Igneous, crystallizing slowly from cooling magma deep within the Earth's crust, particularly in mafic rocks like gabbro, basalt, and anorthosite
About This Crystal
A polished, asymmetrical freeform stone displaying a dark, smoky grey to greenish-black body color with network-like dark inclusions and fracture lines. It exhibits intense flashes of blue and teal labradorescence across its polished surface with a vitreous to pearly luster and translucent to opaque transparency
Physical Characteristics
Body color ranges from dark grey, brown, to black with iridescent flashes of blue, green, gold, and copper; streak is white; cleavage is good in two directions at approximately 86 degrees; fracture is uneven to conchoidal; specific gravity is approximately 2.68 to 2.72; tenacity is brittle
Optical Properties
Biaxial positive with two refractive indices ranging generally between 1.560 and 1.572; birefringence is low around 0.008 to 0.010; exhibits strong optical interference known as labradorescence or schiller effect caused by microscopic lamellar intergrowths
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Originally discovered on Paul Island in Labrador, Canada; also found in Madagascar, Finland, Australia, Russia, and Mexico in mafic igneous rocks and anorthosites
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5; moderate toughness but sensitive to thermal shock and strong acids; fair wearability for jewelry with protective settings due to distinct cleavage
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth; avoid ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals, steam cleaning, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or sudden temperature drops
Rarity & Value
Common to uncommon depending on the quality and intensity of the flash; high-grade specimens with full-spectrum rainbow flashes or rare color variations command higher prices; treatments and enhancements are rare as natural labradorescence is preferred and highly valued
Special Characteristics
Displays labradorescence, a specialized form of adularescence caused by light diffraction through microscopic lamellae of albite and anorthite unmixing at specific cooling temperatures
Lore & History
In Inuit folklore, Labradorite is said to have fallen from the frozen fires of the Aurora Borealis. It is traditionally associated with transformation, strengthening intuition, and protecting the aura. Historically used as a talisman by indigenous peoples, it is modernly linked to the third eye and throat chakras in crystal healing practices