mineral

Labradorite

(Ca, Na)(Al, Si)4O8

Hardness: 6.0-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Dark grey to grey-green with schiller effect; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions.

Hardness: 6
Color: Dark grey to grey-green with schiller effect
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified May 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 6.0-6.5 on Mohs scale; Color: Dark grey to grey-green with schiller effect; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Perfect in two directions.

Formation & geological history

Formed in mafic igneous rocks through slow cooling and crystallization of magma. Notable as an intermediate-to-calcic member of the plagioclase series. Primarily Precambrian origin.

Uses & applications

Used widely in jewelry (cabochons), interior decoration (countertops), and as a popular ornamental collectors specimen due to its iridescent play of color.

Geological facts

Exhibits a unique optical phenomenon called labradorescence, which is caused by light reflecting off submicroscopic layers of exsolution lamellae within the feldspar.

Field identification & locations

Identify by rotating under light to find the 'flash' or blue/gold labradorescence. Commonly found in Labrador (Canada), Madagascar, Finland (Spectrolite), and Norway.