Labradorite

Labradorite

SCIENCE / MINERALOGY
Labradorite is a calcium-rich plagioclase feldspar in the albite–anorthite solid-solution series. It is famous for labradorescence—blue, green, gold, orange, and multicolored flashes produced by light interference within microscopic exsolution lamellae formed as feldspar cooled and unmixed.

GEOLOGY & FORMATION
Labradorite occurs in mafic and intermediate igneous rocks such as gabbro, basalt, norite, and anorthosite, and can also occur in metamorphic rocks derived from them. Classic material comes from Labrador, Canada, with major commercial sources in Madagascar, Finland, Norway, Russia, and elsewhere.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Labradorite is traditionally associated with transformation, intuition, protection, imagination, and discovering capabilities that are not immediately obvious. Its hidden flashes provide a natural symbol of qualities that appear only when perspective changes.

KEY PROPERTIES
Transformation • Intuition • Protection • Imagination • Self-discovery • Awareness • Resilience

CHAKRA: Third Eye • Crown • Throat
ELEMENT: Water • Air
ZODIAC: Leo • Scorpio • Sagittarius
MOHS HARDNESS: 6–6.5

ACCURACY / TRADE-NAME NOTE
Plagioclase feldspar variety. Labradorescence is an internal structural optical effect, not a surface coating.