Labradorite

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Jewelry 101--Colored Stones

Labradorite

A feldspar mineral first identified in Labrador, Canada, labradorite has a lovely play of color often referred to as labradorescence. This phenomena occurs when light enters the stone, strikes a twinning surface within the stone, and reflects from it. Most labradorite only shows a range of blue colors, notable exceptions are “Oregon Sunstone” and “andesine” which, diffused with copper, are reddish in color.

Labradorite can be found in Canada, Finland, Ukraine, Madagascar, and Australia. This gemstone was actually named after Labrador, a Canadian province.
Often heavily flawed, labradorite must be handled with care as it can easily crack or chip under pressure.
Labradorite can also break in two directions with perfect cleavage which means it has a higher risk of breakage if struck. For this reason it is unwise to set labradorite in rings or any other jewelry that is at higher risk of being impacted.
“Labradorescence” is a term used to describe the spectacular displays of color that labradorite is famous for. Stones with greater labradorescence are more valuable that stones with less play-of-color and stones with the highest quality labradorescence are often selected for use as gemstones.
A strong play of iridescent blue, green, red, orange, and yellow colors that some specimens of labradorite exhibit is called a “schiller effect.”
Labradorite is a feldspar mineral of the plagioclase series that is most often found in mafic igneous rocks such as basalt, gabbro, and norite. It is also found in anorthosite, an igneous rock in which labradorite can be the most abundant mineral.
Anorthosite rich with labradorite is often cut and polished for use as an architectural stone. Sold under a variety of names such as “blue granite” or “labradorite granite” it is used as countertops, tiles, window sills, and facing stones.
Spectrolite is a variety of labradorite found in Finland that has a richer display of colors than labradorite found elsewhere.
Labradorite’s play-of-color is even lovelier when light is passing over the stone, making this gemstone excellent for drop earrings or beaded dangles for necklaces.
Andesine is a new reddish gemstone that is formed by diffusing labradorite with copper. There has been some controversy over whether andesine occurs naturally or is only created synthetically in a laboratory.

Specs

Chemical Formula	(Na,Ca)_1-2Si_3-2O₈	Mineral Class	Feldspar, Labradorite (Anorthite)
Color	Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, Brown, Purple, Gray, Multicolored
Crystal System	Triclinic	Hardness	6 - 6.5
Transparency	Transparent to translucent	Luster	Vitreous to pearly
Refractory Index	1.560 – 1.568	Double Refraction	.008

Legends

Inuits from Canada once called labradorite a “fire stone” and used powdered labradorite as a cure for ailments. According to Inuit legend the frozen fire of the Aurora Borealis fell to earth, became trapped in rock, and an Inuit warrior who saw this struck the rocks with his spear to free some of the lights.

According to some ancient lore, labradorite was considered to be a talismanic gem of winter.

In Oriental culture labradorite was known as a “phenomenal gem” to be worn on Saturdays. Exhibiting a moving line, star, or changes on the surface as the light is varied, phenomenal gems have been considered to bring good fortune to the wearer.

Nowadays, some consider labradorite a very spiritual stone and can be particularly helpful for people who tend to overwork. It is believed that it can help energize and aid the body and spirit in healing itself.

It is also believed that this gemstone creates a shield for auras and protects against negativity both in the world and within ourselves.

Known for changing its colors, labradorite is also known as a stone of transformation and can enhance strength of will and inner worth.

Some of those who believe in the spirit world also believe that labradorite’s energy allows one to penetrate the veils of the Void and is the place of potential and the source of creation, making it a protective ally for shamans, magicians, and Light workers.

Not only considered a gateway to the spiritual world, some believe labradorescence of this gemstone has extra-terrestrial origins, enclosed in labradorite to bring the evolved energies for other worlds to the Earth plane. For this reason labradorite is sometimes referred to as the “temple of the stars”.

As with many other crystals and gemstones, labradorite is believed to have healing qualities such as the following:

(These beliefs are not presented as fact and should not be used in the place of a doctor’s medical advice.)

**Beneficial to the lungs, labradorite assists with respiratory problems such as bronchitis and colds.**

**Labradorite assists in digestion, regulation, and metabolism.**

**Used for treating eyes and brain disorders, labradorite can stimulate mental acuity, reduce stress and anxiety.**

**Labradorite also can be soothing during menstruation, easing PMS symptoms. This gemstone can also be used for pain relief.**

**Labradorite is also believed to lower blood pressure, reduce sensitivity to cold, and relieve rheumatism and gout.**

**A wonderful tool for returning joy and spontaneity to one’s life, labradorite calms an overactive mind and energizes the imagination, bringing in new ideas. It also helps eliminate the emotional drain of daily routine and awakens a sense of adventure and change.**

Chakra

The predominate blue crystal energy that radiates from labradorite stimulates the Throat Chakra and, in essence, serves as a pressure valve that allows the energy from other chakras to be expressed.

By opening the Throat Chakra labradorite facilitates the expression of thoughts and feelings allowing one to communicate ideas, beliefs, and emotions to the world.

Labradorite promotes the flow of energy within the body and spirit allowing energy from the lower chakras to rise up enabling free expression and natural release.

With its play-of-color labradorite can bring about the unification of all the chakras.

Golden labradorite aids in opening the lower chakras during ritual or magical practices, while Spectrolite works with one’s “Rainbow Body” to enhance awareness of the higher realms.