Labradorite For Sale

Labradorite is a unique feldspar mineral that exhibits what is called a "schiller effect" causing a strong play of iridescent blue, green, red, orange, and yellow colors. Labradorite is so well known for these spectacular color displays that the phenomenon is known as labradorescence. Polishing labradorite makes this labradorescence much more prominent.

More About Labradorite

144 Items ($3 to $185)

Flashy, Free-Standing Polished Labradorite - Madagascar #268094

7.95" Flashy, Free-Standing Polished Labradorite - Madagascar

$185 $155

Flashy, Free-Standing Polished Labradorite - Madagascar #268102

6.85" Flashy, Free-Standing Polished Labradorite - Madagascar

$149 $130

Brilliant Blue Labradorite Pendant with Chain #302781

2.05" Brilliant Blue Labradorite Pendant with Chain

$135 $118

Faceted, Labradorite Pendant (Necklace) - Sterling Silver #243990

2.1" Faceted, Labradorite Pendant (Necklace) - 925 Sterling Silver

$99 $89

Flashy, Free-Standing Polished Labradorite - Madagascar #268097

6.9" Flashy, Free-Standing Polished Labradorite - Madagascar

$95 $80

Brilliant Blue Labradorite Pendant with Chain #278277

1.25" Brilliant Blue Labradorite Pendant with Chain

$79 $71

Flashy, Free-Standing Polished Labradorite - Madagascar #234375

6.7" Flashy, Free-Standing Polished Labradorite - Madagascar

$79 $71

Flashy, Free-Standing Polished Labradorite - Madagascar #291831

7.15" Flashy, Free-Standing Polished Labradorite - Madagascar

$75 $65

Flashy, Polished Labradorite Sphere - Great Color Play #266221

3.15" Flashy, Polished Labradorite Sphere - Great Color Play

$69 $62

Brilliant Blue Labradorite Pendant with Chain #302778

1.8" Brilliant Blue Labradorite Pendant with Chain

$65 $56

Brilliant Blue Labradorite Pendant with Chain #302779

1.4" Brilliant Blue Labradorite Pendant with Chain

$65 $56

Flashy, Polished Labradorite Sphere - Great Color Play #266224

3.15" Flashy, Polished Labradorite Sphere - Great Color Play

$65 $58

Flashy, Polished Labradorite Sphere - Great Color Play #292088

2.9" Flashy, Polished Labradorite Sphere - Great Color Play

$59 $51

Flashy, Free-Standing Polished Labradorite - Madagascar #291836

7.25" Flashy, Free-Standing Polished Labradorite - Madagascar

$59 $50

Realistic, Polished Labradorite Bear with Fish #308433

Realistic, 2.7" Polished Labradorite Bear with Fish

$55 $41

Flashy, Free-Standing Polished Labradorite - Madagascar #291834

6.05" Flashy, Free-Standing Polished Labradorite - Madagascar

$55 $46

Flashy, Free-Standing Polished Labradorite - Madagascar #234391

6.5" Flashy, Free-Standing Polished Labradorite - Madagascar

$49 $42

Brilliant Blue Labradorite Pendant with Chain #265091

1.3" Brilliant Blue Labradorite Pendant with Chain

$45 $39

Flashy, Free-Standing Polished Labradorite - Madagascar #237862

4.1" Flashy, Free-Standing Polished Labradorite - Madagascar

$35 $29

3" Polished Labradorite Bowls

$29.00 (Bulk Discounts)

Flashy, Free-Standing Polished Labradorite - Madagascar #274665

4.3" Flashy, Free-Standing Polished Labradorite - Madagascar

$27 $22

Flashy Labradorite Stone Bracelet - Elastic Band

$21.00 (Bulk Discounts)

Polished Labradorite Egg - Finland #308969

1.3" Polished Labradorite Egg - Finland

$15

Flashy, Polished Labradorite Palm Stone - Madagascar #290501

2.9" Flashy, Polished Labradorite Palm Stone - Madagascar

$15 $11

Flashy, Polished Labradorite Palm Stone - Madagascar #261552

2.7" Flashy, Polished Labradorite Palm Stone - Madagascar

$15 $12

Flashy, Polished Labradorite Palm Stone - Madagascar #261551

2.8" Flashy, Polished Labradorite Palm Stone - Madagascar

$15 $12

Single Side Polished Labradorite Section - Madagascar #295480

4.35" Single Side Polished Labradorite Section - Madagascar

$15 $12

Single Side Polished Labradorite Section - Madagascar #295473

5.2" Single Side Polished Labradorite Section - Madagascar

$15 $12

Single Side Polished Labradorite Section - Madagascar #295467

3.6" Single Side Polished Labradorite Section - Madagascar

$15 $12

Flashy, Polished Labradorite Palm Stone - Madagascar #290502

2.55" Flashy, Polished Labradorite Palm Stone - Madagascar

$12 $9

The Vibrant World Of Labradorite

Labradorite, a captivating gemstone known for its stunning play of colors, is celebrated for a phenomenon called labradorescence. This optical effect creates a colorful flash that has mesmerized people for centuries. But what exactly causes this visual magic, and why is labradorite so unique? Let’s delve deeper into the science, history, and varieties of this fascinating mineral.

Labradorescence is the term used to describe the vibrant flashes of color seen in labradorite. These flashes result from the stone’s internal structure, which consists of parallel crystal formations called lamellar intergrowths. These layers form due to an incompatible crystal alignment that occurs during the cooling of mafic igneous rocks. When light enters labradorite, it refracts within these layers, bouncing back and forth and altering the wavelength of the light. This interaction produces the brilliant array of colors that labradorite is famous for. The orientation and thickness of the layers determine the colors visible to the observer.

The most common colors seen in labradorite include light-blues, light-greens and reds. However, some specimens display more vibrant and sought-after hues like deep royal blue and purple. A particularly prized variety, spectrolite, often exhibits a full spectrum of colors, including dark reds, oranges, yellows, greens, and blues. This variety is famously found in Finland. While the flashes of color can be seen in rough labradorite specimens, they are significantly enhanced when the stone is polished, making labradorite a favorite for jewelry and decorative pieces.

Labradorite belongs to the feldspar mineral family and is a combination of albite and anorthite, with a higher content of anorthite (45–60%) than albite. Its structure often includes a small amount of orthoclase. The twinning of anorthite and albite forms the parallel lamellae structures responsible for labradorescence. It rarely forms individual crystals, often occurring as grainy, rounded masses within host igneous rocks. Despite its stunning appearance, labradorite is surprisingly stable. It does not fade or lose its labradorescence when exposed to sunlight because its coloration arises from its crystal structure, not from light-sensitive impurities.

The Origins of Labradorite

Labradorite was first discovered along the coast of Labrador, Canada, in 1770. However, it had been known to the local Inuit people long before its official discovery. According to Inuit legend, the Northern Lights were once trapped in the rocks along the Labrador coast. An Inuit warrior, armed with a spear, freed the lights, but some remained locked inside the stones, creating labradorite.

Today, the largest producer of labradorite is Madagascar, where it is mined extensively in the southern part of the island. Notable deposits are also found in Canada, the United States, Australia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Germany, and Finland. Finland’s deposits are particularly famous for producing gem-quality spectrolite.

Physical Properties and Practical Uses

Labradorite rarely forms individual crystals, often occurring as grainy, rounded masses within host igneous rocks. Despite its stunning appearance, labradorite is surprisingly stable. It does not fade or lose its labradorescence when exposed to sunlight because its coloration arises from its crystal structure, not from light-sensitive impurities.

Labradorite's durability makes it ideal for various applications. It is commonly used in jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, as well as in decorative items like engravings, display pieces, and polished slabs. In addition, labradorite is often incorporated into home décor, including tabletops and floor tiles. Beyond its practical uses, it has gained significant popularity in the metaphysical community, where it is believed to promote concentration, courage, and clarity.

Care and Maintenance

Labradorite is a hardy mineral that is safe to clean with water and can even be displayed submerged to highlight its color play. Many gem dealers use this technique with rough slabs. Unlike some minerals, labradorite does not fluoresce under UV light, although weak blue fluorescence has been occasionally reported.

Featured Photos

Wide, Single Side Polished Labradorite - Madagascar #103000

Flashy, Polished Labradorite Sphere - Great Color Play #103701

Flashy Polished Labradorite Heart #58861

The Vibrant World Of Labradorite

The Origins of Labradorite

Physical Properties and Practical Uses

Care and Maintenance

Featured Photos