Choose a letter, pick a stone from the list, and read about it: what it is made of, how hard it is, what it looks like, what it has traditionally been said to do, and how to look after it.

450 minerals

Labradorite

The Shimmering Mage of Hidden Light

Also known as: Spectrolite

About the stone

Labradorite crystal — Photo: Parent Géry, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Labradorite is a plagioclase feldspar prized for its shifting blue, green, gold, and rainbow flashes, an optical effect called labradorescence. It entered European mineralogical records around 1770 after Moravian missionaries found it on Paul Island near Nain, Labrador, Canada—the region that gave it its name. Important sources include Canada, Madagascar, Finland, Norway, and Australia. Names encountered in the gem trade include spectrolite, traditionally reserved for exceptionally colorful Finnish material, and rainbow moonstone or Madagascar moonstone, used for certain pale, iridescent labradorites rather than true orthoclase moonstone. A widely retold legend, commonly attributed to Inuit tradition, describes the Northern Lights trapped in stone and partly released by a warrior’s spear, leaving some light behind.

Mineral data

Chemical composition: Labradorite is a plagioclase feldspar, a calcium-rich sodium calcium aluminosilicate, roughly (Ca,Na)(Al,Si)₄O₈. Its flashing labradorescence comes from fine internal layers formed as it cooled slowly.
Hardness: 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale.
Color: Grey to dark grey or blackish, with flashes of blue, green, gold and sometimes orange or purple (labradorescence).
Specific gravity: 2.65-2.75
Refractive index: 1.559-1.570

Metaphysical data

Labradorite, recognized for its flashes of shimmering color and its reputation as a stone of magic, has been utilized in metaphysical practices to protect the aura, sharpen intuition and reveal one's unique gifts.

Protective Energy

Labradorite is believed to be a highly protective stone, deflecting bad energy and preventing energy leakage away from the user.
It is said to dispel illusions and cut straight to the heart of the matter, helping people see their situation with sharper clarity.

Emotional Healing

The stone is thought to bring out the best in people, and to encourage full attention and courtesy toward others.
It is also said to help reduce anti-social, reckless or impulsive behavior in kids, teenagers or adults easily led into trouble by others.

Harmonizing Energy Centers

Labradorite is associated with the throat, third eye and crown chakras, where it is thought to join expression, intuition and higher awareness.
Held at the brow or crown during meditation, its flashes of color are often imagined as light opening hidden doors in the mind.

Zodiac Associations

Labradorite is linked to the zodiac signs of Leo, Scorpio and Sagittarius, whose boldness, depth and love of truth match this stone's mystical sparkle.
In numerology it vibrates to the number 6, associated with care, harmony and responsible gifts shared with others.

Spiritual Growth

Labradorite is said to enhance the mental and intuitive powers of clairvoyance, telepathy, prophecy, past-life recall and coincidence control.
It is thought to assist in accessing the Akashic Records and to help one find their own unique gifts.

Physical Healing

Labradorite is traditionally said to benefit the respiratory system, digestion, eyes, brain and metabolism, though it is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
It is also described as helping to detoxify tobacco and alcohol use, and to help the hands' sensitivity of those who heal with touch; anyone with addiction or health concerns should seek qualified professional care.

Care and handling

Labradorite is moderately hard but has cleavage, so avoid sharp blows and sudden temperature changes. Clean it with lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth, and dry it well. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals and prolonged direct heat, and store it apart from harder stones so its polished surface does not scratch.

Individual experiences with Labradorite vary and are always personal. Turn it in the light with curiosity, and let its hidden flashes remind you that there is more in you than first meets the eye.