Labradorite
Plagioclase Feldspar var. Labradorite · Semi-Precious Gemstone and Decorative Stone
Crystal System
Triclinic, commonly found as massive, granular, or tabular crystals
Mineral Group
Silicates, specifically Tectosilicates (Feldspar group)
Chemical Formula
(Na,Ca)(Al,Si)4O8
Formation Process
Igneous, crystallizing slowly from cooling magma, typically found in mafic igneous rocks like gabbro, basalt, and anorthosite
About This Crystal
A polished, tumbled stone showing a subdued grey-green body color with characteristic dark inclusions and a subtle flash of blue and yellow labradorescence under direct lighting. Translucent to opaque with a vitreous to pearly luster.
Physical Characteristics
Grey to dark green body color, white streak, good cleavage in two directions at nearly right angles, uneven to conchoidal fracture, specific gravity around 2.70-2.74, brittle tenacity
Optical Properties
Biaxial with two refractive indices ranging generally between 1.560 and 1.572, exhibits strong labradorescence (schiller effect) caused by lamellar intergrowths
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Madagascar, Finland, Canada (Labrador), Australia, Mexico, and USA
Hardness & Durability
Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5, moderate toughness, sensitive to sudden temperature changes and strong acids, fair wearability for jewelry with protective settings
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth, avoid harsh chemical cleaners, ultrasonic cleaners, and steam, store separately to prevent scratching by harder stones
Rarity & Value
Common to uncommon depending on the quality of the optical flash, value determined by color intensity and coverage of labradorescence, generally affordable
Special Characteristics
Displays labradorescence, an optical phenomenon where light hitting crystal lamellae produces iridescent flashes of blue, green, gold, or copper
Lore & History
Associated in lore with transformation, intuition, and magic. Believed by Inuit peoples to have fallen from the frozen fire of the Aurora Borealis. Linked to the Third Eye and Throat chakras in modern crystal healing.