About Labradorite

Shop labradorite HERE Note: labradorite is also known as spectrolite.

Keep reading to discover more about labradorite

  • Mineralogy and geology*
  • Metaphysical, Spiritual and Healing** Properties***
  • Common Associations

Mineralogy and Geology of Labradorite

Mineral formula: (Ca,Na)[Al(Al,Si)Si2O8]

Grouping: member of the Plagioclase Feldspar Group

Crystal system: triclinic

Crystal habit: varied, often short, prismatic, or lamellar crystals; can be coarse-granular, massive

Cleavage: Perfect on {001}

Fracture: Irregular, uneven, conchoidal

Color: pale green, blue, colorless, gray-white

Streak: white

Luster: sub-vitreous

Diaphaneity: transparent, translucent

Moh’s scale hardness: 6 – 6 ½

Specific gravity: 2.74 – 2.76

Named after: its occurrence at Ford Harbor, Paul Island, Labrador, Canada

Type locality: common worldwide

Geological occurrence: a component of mafic (low silica) igneous rocks and some metamorphic rocks.

Labradorite is distinguished from other plagioclase feldspars by its labradorescence. Labradorescence is a schiller (iridescent) optical effect, in which a strong play of lustrous blue and green, and sometimes the complete spectrum including red, orange, and yellow, colors appear.  Labradorescence is not a result of surface reflection but rather a result from light entering the mineral and striking a twinning surface within the stone and reflecting off that surface.  Different twinning surfaces within the feldspar reflect different colors of light and can thereby show multi-colors. The quality, hue, and brilliance of the labradorescence varies from one specimen to another and within a single specimen.  Many specimens of labradorite do not exhibit labradorescence

 

Spiritual, Metaphysical and Healing Properties

Labradorite has long been associated with intuition; in particular, it can facilitate the transformation of intuition into intellectual understanding. Melody*** calls labradorite the matriarch of the subconscious mind, helping to provide clarity to inner sight. The energy of its shimmery labradorescence is thought to be of the stars, assisting one in understanding one’s destiny.

Often associated with the Moon, labradorite can help with understanding cycles of progression. Its association with the Sun provides for increased vitality through such transitions.

Common Associations

  • Chakra – third-eye
  • Numerology - vibrates to the numbers 6 and 7
  • Planets – Moon, Sun
  • Zodiac – Sagittarius, Scorpio and Leo
  • Birthstone – none traditional
  • Wedding Anniversary – none traditional

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* Mineralogical information is from mindat.org

** Always consult with your medical professional for any physical or long-term healing issues.

*** Metaphysical properties come from: 

Love Is in the Earth (1995) Melody, Earth-Love Publishing House, 726 pp.

The Crystal Bible, A Definitive Guide to Crystals (2003) Judy Hall, Walking Stick Press, 399 pp.

Crystal Muse (2017) Heather Askinosie and Timmi Jandro, Hay House, 285 pp.

Crystal Gridwork (2018) Kiera Fogg, Weiser Books, 128 pp.