mineral

Labradorite

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

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness: 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale; Color: Dark gray, brown, or black base with iridescent flashes of blue, green, gold, and copper (labradorescence); Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal Structure: Triclinic; Cleavage: Good in two directions; Specific Gravity: 2.68-2.72.

Hardness: 6-6
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified August 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in igneous rocks like basalt and gabbro, as well as anorthosite and metamorphic rocks, through slow cooling of magma allowing the crystallization of plagioclase feldspar.

Uses & applications

Widely used in jewelry making, ornamental objects, countertops, and cherished by collectors for its optical phenomenon.

Geological facts

Labradorite is renowned for its labradorescence, an optical phenomenon caused by light diffraction within microscopic lamellar intergrowths in the feldspar structure.

Field identification & locations

Easily identified by its dark appearance in low light that suddenly flashes vibrant iridescent colors when moved under a light source. Found famously in Labrador, Canada, as well as Finland, Madagascar, and Australia.