Labradorite is a type of semi-precious gemstone known for its beautiful, iridescent ‘flash’ and earthy tones of blues, greens, oranges, and yellows. It gets its name from Labrador, Canada, where it was first found in 1770.
In its unprocessed form, it’s called spectrolite and is a part of the feldspar group of minerals.
Labradorite has a long history of being used for healing, spiritual growth, magic, and protection. It is said to be a useful for practitioners of meditation and yoga as it helps to activate the throat and third eye chakras.
From a metaphysical standpoint, labradorite is said to ignite the imagination and boost spiritual and psychic connections. It’s said to enhance intuition and to protect the wearer from negative energy and energy vampires.
Those who admire labradorite for its beauty recognize its worth. People find that it helps showcase their own personal style and sense of self-expression and can be used for pendants, earrings, and other jewelry pieces.
Even if not used for metaphysical purposes, labradorite still has a certain charm and allure.
In terms of monetary value, the price of labradorite gemstones varies widely depending on the size, quality, and type of stone. However, it’s generally cheaper than many other popular gemstones like emeralds, rubies, and diamonds.
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How can I tell if my labradorite stone is real?
When shopping for labradorite stones, one of the most important things to ensure is that it is real. Since labradorite can be difficult to identify, it’s important to do your research ahead of time or to buy from a reputable source.
Here are a few ways you can tell if your labradorite stone is real:
1. Check the Color – Labradorite is usually colorless or shades of gray. If the stone appears to be too colorful, it’s likely not real labradorite.
2. Look for Schiller -Many labradorite stones are greasy yellow or blue with a rainbow-like effect on the top known as Schiller. Schiller reflects a unique sheen from the stone and is often used to authenticate labradorite stones.
3. Check the Streaks – Real labradorite will leave a yellow-brown streak when rubbed against a streak plate.
4. Run a Magnet Test – Real labradorite will not be attracted to a magnet. If the stone sticks to the magnet, it’s likely not real labradorite.
5. Look for a True Sunstone – Labradorite stones which contain tiny spangles can be identified as moonstone or sunstone. Labradorite Sunstone contains a red/orange flash, while labradorite Moonstone has a silvery white flash.
How can you tell quality labradorite?
Identifying quality labradorite can be a tricky task. To determine if a piece of labradorite is of good quality, the labradorite should have a distinct schiller – a flash of multiple rainbow or iridescent colours – and should showcase a blue flash as its main schiller colour.
It should also contain a minimum of inclusions or pitting on the stone’s surface.
Labradorite is a type of Feldspar and as such can vary in degrees of transparency. It can range from being almost completely transparent, to almost completely opaque. Generally, higher quality pieces will be more transparent and its schiller will be more visible.
The stone should also have a high lustre, be smooth and non-porous.
The most important step in ensuring quality is to purchase from reputable and trusted sellers. Research the seller on online reviews and ask for additional photos or information regarding the stone if needed.
By taking the time to do this research, you can be sure to purchase a good quality labradorite.
What does it mean when someone gives you labradorite?
Labradorite is a mineral that is prized for its brilliant iridescent blues, greens, yellows and reds. When someone gives you labradorite, it is a sign of appreciation for all that is strong and beautiful within you, as the labradorite is believed to have calming, healing and protective energies.
According to Inuit legends, labradorite was formed from frozen fire, caused by the Northern Lights, and is said to contain the power of transformation. By giving you labradorite, the gifter is acknowledging the powerful, transformative and protective energies that exist within you.
It may also be given as a sign of protection — serving as a reminder of strength and empowerment in difficult times.
What happens if labradorite touches water?
If labradorite is exposed to water, moisture may be absorbed into the stone, which can cause it to lose its sheen and become duller over time. While labradorite is a relatively durable stone, it can become brittle and vulnerable to breakage if exposed to water over a long period.
In addition, labradorite should not be submerged in water for long periods, as that can cause discoloration due to stone impurities. Moreover, when exposed to water, labradorite may become stained, especially if it contains certain minerals.
Therefore, it is important to take extra care when caring for labradorite jewelry, as it should not be exposed to humidity, perspiration, chemicals, or any other type of moisture for long periods.
How do I know if my stone is real?
The most reliable is to seek an opinion from a qualified gemologist. A qualified gemologist will be able to determine if a stone is real or not through an examination using several tests.
One test includes the ‘scratch test’. This is where the gemologist uses a gemstone tester to scratch the surface of the stone to determine hardness. If the stone is scratched easily it is most likely glass or a lower grade stone.
Other tests include specific gravity tests as well as refractive index testing. These tests determine the optical properties which are not found in man-made or glass stones.
UV or black light testing is another test that can be used. This is where light is shone onto the stone. Most glass or man-made stones will not react to this type of light, however certain natural stones, such as jade, will emit a small florescence.
Finally, the gemmologist can look at the stone under a microscope and search for colour/grain patterns which are typical of a real stone. Imports or synthetics have a much more uniform look compared to natural stones.
In conclusion, if you are unsure if your stone is real then your best bet is to visit a qualified gemmologist in order to confirm.
Is labradorite soft or hard?
Labradorite is a mineral that has a hardness of 6-6. 5 on the Mohs scale, which is a measure of mineral hardness. This means that it is harder than many common minerals, such as talc (1), gypsum (2), calcite (3) and fluorite (4), but it is still a relatively soft mineral.
In comparison, quartz (7), topaz (8) and diamond (10) are all harder than labradorite. Labradorite is a silicate mineral, containing silicon and oxygen molecules, and is primarily used in jewelry and ornamental decorations due to its unique color and iridescent qualities.
Does labradorite have sparkles in it?
Yes, labradorite does have sparkles in it. This is because labradorite is a feldspar mineral composed of a complex silicate structure that allows for light to break down and refract in many directions, resulting in the shimmering effect that is known as ‘labradorescence’.
Depending on the quality of the stone and the angle of the light, the sparkles can range from a soft, iridescent glow to a vivid array of rainbow colours and can appear in either bright flashes or a general sheen throughout the stone.
Labradorite was first discovered in Labrador, Canada and is a popular stone used in a variety of jewellery and ornamental items.
What does labradorite crystal look like?
Labradorite is a stunning mineral that is typically composed of dark gray base colors with iridescent flashes of peacock blue, gold, or pale green. It can appear black or a dark grayish-green in its raw form.
Labradorite can vary greatly in transparency, ranging from completely opaque to being completely transparent with a light black or gray coloring. Labradorite is known for having an iridescent optical effect, known as labradorescence, which is visible in certain angles and lighting conditions.
It has a fine, waxy luster and is sometimes characterized by adularescence, which can create a soft, milky, pearly glow. Labradorite also often contains light cream, yellow, green and brown secondary colors.
Labradorite is relatively soft and has a Mohs hardness of 6 to 6. 5.
How much does real labradorite cost?
The cost of real labradorite can vary greatly depending on the size, quality and clarity of the stone, as well as its origin. Generally, real labradorite stones range from around $5 per carat up to roughly $100 per carat.
For a 1-carat stone of good quality, the average cost is around $20. For a stone of good size and quality with an exotic origin, such as Madagascar, the cost can increase up to $100 per carat. Labradorite cabochons tend to be more expensive, with a cost of around $25 per carat for a 1-carat size.
However, it is possible to find labradorite in larger sizes at a much lower cost. Labradorite with flashy rainbow colors, such as peacock labradorite, is generally much more expensive, and can range from around $50 to $150 per carat.
Is labradorite semi precious stone?
Yes, labradorite is considered a semi-precious stone. This stone is usually a dull dark-gray or black color but can contain an array of colors such as blues and greens. Labradorite is popular among jewelry makers because it often appears to have an iridescent or “flash effect.
” The overall color of the stone changes slightly when viewed from different angles, creating the illusion of a shifting color pattern. This flash effect is caused by light reflecting off layers of exsolution minerals.
What kind of stone is labradorite?
Labradorite is a feldspar mineral that typically has a gray-green base color and architectural-like reflectivity with shades of blue, red, yellow and green due to its labradorescence. Labradorite can form in large crystal chunks, large free form shapes, or small stones and is usually found in igneous rocks such as basalt and gabbro.
Its name is derived from the Labrador Peninsula in Canada where it was first discovered in 1770. Today, it is found in a wide variety of locations including Russia, India, Madagascar, and Finland. Labradorite is often known as a stone of transformation and intuition and is used in metaphysical work due to its powerful energy which can help break up energy blockages and stimulate spiritual growth.
It is also believed to be a protective stone that increases our self-awareness and helps us open up to new experiences.
