Labradorite: An unforgettable Play of Color

Hardly any gemstone shimmers as uniquely as the labradorite stone. How its iridescent play of colors comes about and why it is also an extremely spiritual stone for many, you can find out here.

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Origin of Name and Places of Discovery

Labradorite - the stone owes this sonorous name to its place of discovery on the Labrador Peninsula, Newfoundland in Canada. The stone is associated with the northern hemisphere, because here are the deposits for valuable Labradorite. Not only the regions around Quebec and Nain, Newfoundland in Canada are important Labradorite finding places with historical background, but especially Ylämaa in Finland, Larvik in Norway and the Korostenski Massif in Ukraine as well as significant deposits in Madagascar are known for the particularly high quality of Labradorite stones.

The Finnish Labradorite stone is also called Spectrolite because of its strong color reflection in the full spectral color range, while the white Labradorite stones in Madagascar are often called Moonstones because of their bluish shimmering tones, but despite their similarity they do not belong to the Moonstone gemstone family.

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Labradorite: Appearance & Chemical Structure

The Labradorite belongs to the feldspar mineral class. However, it is not listed as an independent mineral, but is composed of a combination of albite and anorthite and is thus considered a plagioclase feldspar. It can form not only by magmatic assemblage into gabbro, basalt, and anorthosite, but also by rock alteration into amphibolite. Even if labradorite is prized for its transparency, it is its matte, shimmering luster that makes it so attractive.

Labradorescence – this is the name given to the unique play of colors generated by the stone within, giving it the unusually intense iridescent surface effect. No two Labradorite stones are alike: the iridescent luster and the metallic shimmering reflections in shades of violet, blue or green are expressed intensely, especially in cut Labradorites. In addition to the bluish hues, labradorite also occurs in yellow-green and various shades of gray. The scientific explanation for this unique, natural color play is based mainly on the crystal construction of the stone. The crystals of labradorite contain twin lamellae that, like a mirror, randomly create reflections and project spectral colors onto the surface.

Since a Labradorite reaches a hardness grade of 6 to 6.5 (of 10) on the Mohs scale, some don’t list it in the classic gemstone category, but it is counted among semi-precious gemstones, which are softer.

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Labradorite History

According to the myth of the indigenous Inuit primitive communities, labradorite is closely associated with the northern lights, which is said to explain the stone's enchanting colored light. In times long past, the Northern Lights got caught in the stone formations on the Labrador Peninsula. Only when a legendary hero tried to free the Northern Lights with his spear did the stone formation give way and let go of the Northern Lights - but not before immortalizing part of the spectacular Aurora Borealis color play in its Labradorite rocks.

In 1770, labradorite stone was first discovered by Moravian missionaries in Labrador, Canada. But for generations, the original coastal inhabitants of the region had already come to appreciate labradorite for its valuable qualities in healing, and used its powerful healing properties to restore mental balance and for spiritual and physical recovery.

Labradorite Gemstone: Use in jewelry

The colorful radiance of the Labradorite is fascinating for many. For this reason, Labradorite has long been established as a significant stone in the field of high-quality jewelry making. Blue or gray-white mottled labradorites not only adorn bracelets, necklace pendants and rings, but nowadays are deliberately worn as protective healing stones and aura protectors. Especially blue or blue-green iridescent Labrador gemstones are appreciated for the impressive color effects and are evaluated accordingly high on the jewelry market. 

Renowned jewelry houses around the world carry fine and exquisitely crafted jewelry thatharnesses the engaging magic of labradorite for their unique creations. Whether bracelets, earrings, studs, or necklace pendants, labradorite presents the full beauty of its intense color nuances in smooth-cut, round, oval, or teardrop shapes, while the stone is rarely used in faceted forms. Labradorite jewelry pieces are usually one-of-a-kind, as each shimmering stone actually touches with its unique impressive color effects and individual design, giving high-quality jewelry creations a particularly personal style.

Discover our Labradorite ring CARI, Sterling Silver or 18 carat Gold Vermeil

Labradorite Stone: Spiritual Meaning

Spiritually inclined people believe that gemstones have specific effects on a person. In this regard, the Labradorite stone is a symbol of creativity, motivation, and focus. So Thus it is the perfect gemstone for workaholics, ambitious people or creative minds. In general, the Labradorite spreads an uplifting energy and is popularly used as a balancing, calming stone which wards off negative energies and removes disturbing vibrations. A profound stone with mystical appeal, the Labradorite stimulates imagination, fires up your inner world, and it is said to help with finding new ideas.

Gemstones like Labradorite are also said to have an effect on the psyche, at least if alternate medicine is anything to go by. For people who are burdened with mental disorders or physical problems, the Labradorite stone is said to give new courage and inner strength. It awakens spiritual understanding, creates bridges to reality and strengthens faith in one's own abilities. Creative sides are discovered, inspirations combine with harmonious moods, pleasant memories are stimulated and serve as a stimulus to regain confidence in their own powers. In summary, for many, Labradorite is a stone that fires the imagination and provides access to the higher levels of wisdom and the celestial world.

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Labradorite and Chakra Healing

Spiritual chakra healing is about energy centers that are located in very specific places in the body. Certain gemstones are said to have a positive effect on specific chakra energy centers. Thus, the bluish-shimmering labradorite is mainly assigned to the blue Third Eye chakra ( in the forehead area) and the turquoise Throat Chakra (located in the neck).

The Third Eye Chakra, also known as the Third Eye, relates to our intuition and perception. A strong Third Eye Chakra helps us gain insight and increase our willpower. Since the Labradorite stone enhances this chakra, it is said to assist us in these areas.

The Throat Chakra affects our communication and assertiveness. The Labradorite is said to positively influence this chakra, so that we can communicate more clearly and stand up for ourselves better.

Labradorite in Astrology

In astrology, labradorite plays an essential role. It is assigned as the main stone to the zodiac sign Aquarius. However, Leo women and Leo men are also said to benefit from the shimmering gemstone. The stone is said to enhance creative abilities and help in achieving goals. In addition, the labradorite stone is also assigned to the zodiac sign Libra.