Labradorite

Color and weight are the decisive factors affecting the price of labradorite. High-quality tumbled specimens should have a brilliant iridescent color across the entire face of the stone, and fetch a price between $3-10 for pieces averaging about 2.5 cm across.

The poor toughness of labradorite is due to its perfect cleavage, making it likely to split along specific planes. This inherent weakness renders it vulnerable to cracking and chipping during daily use.

Labradorite is stable for daily use given its resilience to water, sunlight, and dry conditions. It cleans easily but should avoid high heat and harsh chemicals.

Some gemstone varieties of labradorite exhibiting a high degree of labradorescence are called spectrolite.

The geological type area for labradorite is Paul Island near the town of Nain in Labrador, Canada. It has also been reported in Norway, Finland and various other locations worldwide, with notable distribution in Madagascar, China, Australia, Slovakia and the USA. Labradorite occurs in mafic igneous rocks and is the feldspar variety most common in basalt and gabbro. The uncommon anorthosite bodies are composed almost entirely of labradorite. It also is found in metamorphic amphibolites and as a detrital component of some sediments. Common mineral associates in igneous rocks include olivine, pyroxenes, amphiboles and magnetite.

The unique iridescent optical effect known as labradorescence causes stunning color displays seen in labradorite. Specimens with the highest labradorescence are selected for use as gemstones. The rock Anorthosite also contains labradorite, and is cut into slabs for creating counter-tops, tiles, facade stone, sculptures, and other architectural materials.

According to a legend, a brave Innuit warrior saw Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) trapped in rocks. By hitting the stones with his spear, he freed some of the lights. That rock was labradorite, which, according to Inuit beliefs, still holds some of the Northern Lights.

Labradorite is believed to have magical powers that can be used to influence positive changes in one's life. It has a high level of energy that many say works very quickly. When used on the Throat, Crown, and Third Eye chakras, the stone may enhance psychic or spiritual abilities.