Labrador, Canada
The type locality and source of gray labradorite with blue flash.
Crystals gemstone profile
Labradorite
Feldspar With Iridescent Labradorescence
Labradorite is a plagioclase feldspar famous for flashes of blue, green, gold, and orange caused by light interference within its layered structure.
Gemological Properties
- Chemical composition
- Calcium-sodium aluminum silicate feldspar
- Crystal system
- Triclinic
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6
- Color range
- Gray body with blue, green, gold, or multicolor flash
- Primary sources
- Canada, Madagascar, Finland, Norway, Russia
- Luster / transparency
- Vitreous to pearly / Translucent to opaque
Science, structure & identification
A practical field note on what Labradorite is made of, how it forms, how light behaves inside it, and what professionals look for when identifying it.
Browse the plain-language gemstone glossary or learn how to read a lab report.
- Mineral family
- Plagioclase feldspar
- Formation
- Labradorite crystallizes in mafic igneous rocks. Exsolution into microscopic lamellae lets light interfere and produce labradorescence.
- Optical behavior
- The flash is directional and changes with viewing angle. Body tone, lamella thickness, polish, and light direction all affect the display.
- Treatments & enhancements
- Most labradorite is untreated. Dye, coating, resin filling, and glass imitations can occur in inexpensive decorative material.
- Identification notes
- Feldspar cleavage, refractive index, twinning, and characteristic interference flash help separate it from coated glass and other chatoyant stones.
- Care & durability
- At Mohs 6 with cleavage, labradorite can chip at edges. Use a protective setting, avoid hard impact, and clean with mild soapy water.
Where Labradorite is found
Representative source regions, not a map of every occurrence.
Madagascar
Produces colorful cabochon material and collector slabs.
Finland
Spectrolite is valued for strong, broad spectral color.
The color spectrum of Labradorite
Color is shaped by chemistry, structure, inclusions, and light. These are representative varieties—not a promise that every stone will show every shade.
Blue flash
Interference in feldspar lamellae creates a cool blue sheen.
Green flash
Green labradorescence often appears as the stone is tilted.
Gold flash
Longer-wavelength interference can produce golden or orange light.
Spectrolite
Finnish material is known for broad multicolor flashes.
Trusted references
Traditional beliefs & modern crystal claims
Gemstones have rich symbolic histories. The claims below are presented as folklore, cultural tradition, or modern pseudoscience—not as proven medical, psychological, or supernatural effects.
Historical lens
Inuit-inspired stories and modern spiritual writing connect labradorite with the aurora, transformation, and imagination.
The symbolism reflects its shifting blue-green flash, not an energetic transformation mechanism.
Historical lens
Some crystal practices call it a shield against negative energy.
The claim is spiritual language and is not evidence of protection from people, fields, or disease.
Gemological properties can be measured and tested. Symbolic meaning is personal and cultural; crystals should never replace qualified medical or mental-health care.
History of the Labradorite
Mineral & material history
Named for Labrador, Canada, where Europeans documented it in the 18th century. Related Finnish spectrolite is prized for especially broad spectral color.
Cultural Significance
Inuit stories and modern spiritual traditions connect labradorite with aurora imagery, transformation, and imagination. These associations are cultural or spiritual traditions, not scientifically demonstrated effects.
Cultural meanings and historical beliefs are included for context. They are not scientific evidence or medical advice.
Traditional beliefs & legend
Modern crystal traditions include symbolic meanings for Labradorite. These beliefs are presented as folklore and spiritual practice, not as medical guidance or evidence of physical effects.
This section records cultural history and folklore. These stories are not scientific evidence or medical guidance.
Expert Buying Guide
Judge the strength, coverage, and viewing angle of the flash. Check edges for cleavage chips and compare the stone in moving light before buying.
Ready to collect Labradorites?
Browse our current, authentic collection of natural labradorites on eBay.