LABRADORITE

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SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION: Labradorite is from the plagioclase feldspar group, a mixture of sodium and calcium aluminum silicates. It is gray, green, bluish, and sometimes a play of various colors; vitreous; frequently pearly on cleavage. Chemical composition: (Na,Ca)AlSi3O8. The streak is white. It's hardness is 6. Labradorite is one of the lime-soda feldspars, along with bytownite and anorthite. Crystals are uncommon, but when found in fine grade, they are pale yellow.

ENVIRONMENT: The plagioclase feldspars are important rock-forming minerals and are found in many kinds of igneous and metamorphic rocks. Labradorite occurs with hornblende and augite in gabbro of plutonic rocks; also with hornblende in basalt of volcanic rocks.

OCCURRENCE: Fine Labradorite showing beautiful colors comes from East Labrador. In addition, it has been found in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, in Essex and Lewis counties. Some has been found in Findland and a fine grade in Madagascar. Pale yellow crystals have been found in Utah, California, Oregon and Texas.

GEMSTONE INFORMATION: Only the finest Labradorite, showing distinct change of color (labrador-escence), is considered a gemstone. Greenish, bluish, yellowish, or reddish change of color may occur; blues and greens are most common, and the color change may be only in patches. There are some fine-grade, pale yellow crystals that can be faceted. However, most crystals found are "damaged" or flawed with cracks, rendering them uncuttable.

NAME: Labradorite is named after the location in which it was first discovered, Labrador.

LEGEND and LORE: I did not find any reference to this stone in any of my sources.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES: This stone is not mentioned in Cunningham or Mella, or Fernie.

HEALING: "Gem healers claim it elevates the wearer's consciousness and connection with the energies of the universe." (8)

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: I have two small pieces of Labradorite. I use them at the Third-Eye Chakra because of their blue/bluish "sheen". I can't say that the results have been notable, since I've used them in conjunction with other stones. Sometimes, if I am going to participate in a "meditation circle" where I know I will be doing "readings", I will stick the larger piece in my pocket.


NOTES: This stone is sometimes called "Spectrolite", in the non-crystalized form. (8) Labradorite is sometimes carved into ashtrays and various decorative objects. A translucent labradorite forms luscious black moonstones. (2)

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1. Scientific, Environment, Occurrence and Name are from (or paraphrased from) "The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Rocks and Minerals".

2. Precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from "Gemstones" by E. H. Rutland.

3. Other Precious and semi-precious gemstone information may come from "Gem Cutting", sec. ed., by John Sinkankas.

4. Legends and Lore, Magical Properties are from "Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem & Metal Magic", by Scott Cunningham.

5. Some of the healing information may come from "Color and Crystals, A Journey Through the Chakras" by Joy Gardner.

6. Some of the healing information may come from "A Journey Through the Chakras" by Joy Gardner.

7. Personal Experience is from MY personal experience, journals and notebooks, by Tandika Star.

8. "The Crystal Handbook" by Kevin Sullivan