mineral

Labradorite

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

Hardness: 6.0-6.5 on Mohs scale. Color: Dark gray to gray-black base with iridescent flashes (labradorescence) of blue, green, yellow, or orange. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Triclinic. Cleavage: Perfect in two directions.

Hardness: 6
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified June 3, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed in mafic igneous rocks like basalt, gabbro, and norite through the slow cooling of magma. It is part of the plagioclase feldspar series. Notable deposits date back millions of years in Precambrian formations.

Uses & applications

Used primarily in jewelry as cabochons, ornamental carvings, interior design (luxury countertops or tiles), and popular as a decorative specimen for gemstone collectors.

Geological facts

Labradorite was first discovered in Labrador, Canada, in 1770. The play of light is called labradorescence, which is caused by light reflecting off microscopically thin layers of different feldspar minerals within the stone.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by tilting the stone to look for a sudden flash of spectral colors against a dull dark background. High-quality specimens are mostly sourced from Madagascar, Finland (Spectrolite), and Canada.