Labradorite is a gem that seems to hold the northern lights within its depths. With flashes of electric blue, gold, green, and violet shimmering across a smoky base, this feldspar mineral enchants jewellers and collectors alike. Every stone tells its own story in colour, Mysterious, changeable, and alive with an inner light.
Basic Identification Information
Name & Synonyms:
Labradorite, Spectrolite (trade name with high labradorescence), Rainbow Moonstone (trade name that’s sometimes misused)
Species:
Feldspar
Colour Range:
Body – commonly Grey, greenish-grey, or black, but can sometimes be colourless, green, yellow, orange, or brown
Labradorescence – blue, green, yellow, orange, violet, red, or multi-coloured flashes
Refractive Index:
1.554 – 1.573
Birefringence:
0.008 – 0.010
Optical Sign:
Biaxial (+)
Pleochroism:
None
Specific Gravity:
2.68 – 2.71
Fluorescence:
Generally inert, but can sometimes have a patchy white glow under UV light
Lustre:
Vitreous (glass like)
Clarity:
Labradorite doesn’t have a clarity rating as it’s usually opaque. There are rare examples of it being transparent though.
Gems Often Mistaken For:
Moonstone, opal, andesine-labradorite
Mohs Hardness:
7
Wearability:
Fair
Birthstone:
Not a traditional or modern birthstone, but sometimes its used as an alternative for February
Spotting Synthetic (Lab-Grown) Labradorite
True synthetic labradorite is not commercially produced due to the stone’s complex optical effect (labradorescence) which is difficult to replicate.
However, imitation materials such as glass or polymer composites may mimic the colourful flash, so be careful if a stone looks too perfect with uniform colouring and no inclusions or imperfections. Also be cautious when purchasing translucent labradorite as this could be opolite, a type of glass.
Common Treatments
Labradorite is rarely treated. Occasionally, low-grade material may be dyed to enhance its colour, but this is uncommon and typically detectable under magnification.
Durability & Setting Considerations
With a hardness of 7 and perfect cleavage in two directions, chips and cracking are more of an issue then scratches from daily wear. It’s best suited for pendants, earrings, or brooches, where it’s less likely to be knocked around.
For rings, choose protective bezel or halo settings to shield the gem from knocks.
Care Instructions
Cleaning:
Use lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth or brush. Rinse well and dry immediately. Avoid harsh chemicals, steam, or ultrasonic cleaners.
Storage:
Keep labradorite separate from harder gemstones to prevent scratches. Wrap in a soft pouch or individual compartment within a jewellery box.
Daily Wear:
Avoid wearing labradorite during strenuous activity, sports, or household chores. Despite it’s hardness of 7 the stone’s surface can still scratch with repeated friction.
Market & Ethical Notes
Fine-quality labradorite with strong, vibrant flashes commands higher prices, particularly blue and multi-coloured spectrolite from Finland. Other key sources include Canada (Newfoundland), Madagascar, Russia, India, and Norway.
It’s widely available and generally considered an ethical choice, as deposits are abundant and mining is often small-scale and low-impact.
🔗 Learn more about the ethical and environmental story behind Reclaimed and Recycled Gemstones.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Labradorite is sometimes called a stone of transformation and protection, believed to awaken intuition and shield the aura from negativity. It’s said to align with the Third Eye and Throat Chakras, enhancing insight, communication, and creativity.
Mystics have long valued it as a companion through change, a gemstone of hidden light revealing truth and purpose.
🔗 Dive deeper into Labradorite’s Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings (coming soon)
Etymology
Named after the Labrador Peninsula in Canada, where it was first discovered in the late 18th century, labradorite quickly became prized for its unique play of colour. The Finnish spectrolite variety gained fame during the mid-1900s for its particularly vivid, full-spectrum flashes.
The term labradorescence was coined to describe this optical phenomenon, the result of light interference within the gem’s internal layers.
🔗 Curious about how labradorite was viewed by various cultures? Explore its fascinating myths and legends (coming soon)
✨ Save this jeweller’s guide to Labradorite for quick reference next time you’re working with this stunning gem.
