mineral

Labradorite

Labradorite (Plagioclase Feldspar Series: (Ca,Na)(Al,Si)4O8)

Hardness: 6.0–6.5 (Mohs scale), Color: Smoky grey to dark green/brown with iridescent flashes (labradorescence) in blue, green, and gold. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Triclinic. Cleavage: Perfect in two directions.

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified March 30, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in mafic igneous rocks such as basalt and norite, as well as in anorthosites. It crystallizes from cooling magma at high temperatures. Notable formations date back over 1 billion years in the Mesoproterozoic era.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry as gemstones, in decorative interior design (countertops and tiles), and as a popular mineral for metaphysical collecting.

Geological facts

Labradorite is famous for the 'Schiller effect' known specifically as labradorescence, caused by internal light reflections from submicroscopic layers of exsolution lamellae within the feldspar.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by rotating the stone to look for hidden flashes of metallic color (blue/green) that appear and disappear. Commonly found in Labrador (Canada), Madagascar, Finland (where it's called Spectrolite), and Russia.

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