Labradorite is a crystal of intrigue, flash and glimmer that has been used in many tales leading back to the Inuit tribes in Canada.
The story starts here:
The Inuit tribes in Canada believed that Labradorite was linked to the Northern Lights, the most beautiful light display in the night skies. They told of a legend where an Inuit warrior had discovered a cave filled with Labradorite. He thought the light was trapped in the rock and brought down his spear to release the Aurora Borealis. The the rock was so strong that the light became trapped inside them forever. Today, we still have Labradorite to remember this myth.
Background!
Labradorite was named in 1770 when it was discovered by the Moravian missionaries in Labrador Canada. To be more precise, Labradorite was discovered in eastern Canada on Paul Island, near the settlement of Nain in Newfoundland and Labrador. Even though this stone had been known by Inuits native to the area, a name and recognition didn’t come until the late 18th century. Labradorite became very popular for jewelry in France and England after the documented discovery. Because of the stones beautiful flash, this jewelry is still popular today.
What is Labradorite and how does it flash?
Labradorite is found in igneous rock and is made of calcium sodium, or a calcium enriched feldspar mineral. The formation of Labradorite occurs when intense heat and pressure merge multiple types of minerals and rocks before crystallization. Labradorite can also be found in sedimentary rock that is derived from the weathering of other rocks.
Labradorite is an unusual and beautiful crystal because of the flash it produces. The flash, or play of colors, is caused by internal fractures in the rock that reflect light back and forth. This disperses the light into different colors. The colors can shift into one another and provide a beautiful rainbow. This effect is known as labradorescence. The most common colors of Labradorite include blue and yellow. Less common colors are orange, green and pink. The most rare and sought after colors are purple, silver and red. True purple flash on Labradorite is specifically rare.
Low-quality vs. high-quality Labradorite!
Certain Labradorite colors are more expensive than others and full-face flash pieces are the most sought after. When looking to buy, you want to consider the quality which would include:
- rock color (dark grey with some semi-translucency is top grade)
- flash color (this is all personal preference) purple, deep cobalt or silver
- flash size/ crystal shape
Certain shapes of crystals will allow for better flash. Common shapes to get the most flash are slabs, 4-sided towers and freeforms. Low-quality Labradorite will have small speckles of flash with no real face.
Metaphysical Properties!
Labradorite is a very magical crystal that is said to promote intuition, psychic ability and spiritual enlightenment. It helps to calm a busy or stressed mind and can help with anxiety and fear. This stone is also good for bringing clarity, peace and new ideas into your life. Labradorites symbolism is wisdom and self-improvement.
Fun facts!
- Labradorites zodiac sign is cancer
- Considered a semi-precious gemstone
- Spectrolite is a rare variety of Labradorite exclusively found in Finland
- When Labradorite has colored flash at one angle and a different color flash at another, it’s referred to as a dual flash
- Chemical composition is (Ca,Na)[AI(AI,Si)Si2O8]