Labradorite
Feldspar group, Plagioclase series, Labradorite variety · Semi-Precious Gemstone and Decorative Stone
Crystal System
Triclinic; typically occurs as massive, granular, or cleavable masses, rarely as distinct tabular crystals
Mineral Group
Silicates (Tectosilicates)
Chemical Formula
(Na,Ca)(Al,Si)4O8
Formation Process
Igneous, primarily crystallizing from basic magmas such as gabbro, anorthosite, and basalt, as well as in pegmatites
About This Crystal
The specimen is cut and polished into a multifaceted pendulum shape featuring dark grey to black body tones. It exhibits characteristic patchy areas of translucency and dark, smoky tones with hints of structural coloration typical of plagioclase feldspars.
Physical Characteristics
Dark gray to black body color with possible flashes of labradorescence, white streak, good cleavage in two directions at nearly right angles (approx. 86 degrees), uneven to conchoidal fracture, specific gravity around 2.70 to 2.74, and brittle tenacity
Optical Properties
Biaxial positive with refractive indices typically between 1.559 and 1.570, exhibiting moderate birefringence and strong optical phenomena known as labradorescence (schiller effect) caused by lamellar intergrowths
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Canada (Labrador), Madagascar, Finland (Spectrolite), Norway, Russia, and the United States
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5, fair to good toughness, sensitive to thermal shock and strong acids, making it moderately durable for jewelry with protective settings
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water using a soft cloth; avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, harsh chemicals, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or sudden temperature changes
Rarity & Value
Common to uncommon, with value depending on the quality, intensity, and full spectrum of the labradorescence play of color; generally affordable unless featuring rare spectrolite color ranges
Special Characteristics
Displays labradorescence, an optical phenomenon where light hitting microscopic lamellar twin planes interferes to produce iridescent flashes of blue, green, gold, and copper colors
Lore & History
Discovered in Labrador, Canada, in 1770, labradorite is rich in Inuit folklore, which associated the stone with the Northern Lights trapped in the rocks. In modern metaphysical practices, it is often considered a stone of transformation, protection, and mysticism, traditionally associated with the throat and third-eye chakras