Minerals · common
Labradorite
Labradorite is a feldspar mineral famous for its stunning iridescent display called labradorescence, showing flashes of blue, green, gold, and orange.
Also known as: labradorescence, spectrolite, northern lights stone.
Labradorite properties at a glance
| Type | Minerals |
|---|---|
| Chemical formula | (Ca,Na)(Al,Si)4O8 |
| Mohs hardness | 6 |
| Crystal system | triclinic |
| Luster | vitreous |
| Streak | White |
| Cleavage | Perfect |
| Fracture | Uneven |
| Specific gravity | 2.7 |
| Transparency | translucent |
| Common colors | Gray, Blue flash, Green flash, Gold flash |
| Rarity | common |
Geology & background
Forms in mafic igneous rocks. The iridescence comes from light diffracting through thin layers of different feldspar compositions.
Indigenous peoples of Labrador believed labradorite fell from the frozen fire of the Aurora Borealis.
How to identify Labradorite
- Check whether the specimen's color and texture match typical Labradorite examples.
- Photograph a fresh surface in natural light and avoid shadows, glare, or wet surfaces.
- Use hardness, streak, luster, grain size, and locality together; no single trait is enough for every specimen.
Full Labradorite identification guide: checklist, home tests and look-alikes →
Labradorite vs similar stones
Not sure it isn't something else? Side-by-side comparisons with the stones most often confused with Labradorite.
Where Labradorite is found
Labradorite is reported from multiple localities or geological settings. Exact locality should be verified from specimen provenance, maps, or field notes.
How much is Labradorite worth?
| Entry-level specimen | $5 |
|---|---|
| Typical collector specimen | $30 |
| Premium specimen | $300+ |
Value depends on size, condition, color, crystal quality, locality, rarity, preparation, and provenance. Treat this as educational guidance, not an appraisal.
Common uses
- Jewelry
- Decorative objects
- Building stone
Interesting facts
- Discovered in 1770 on Paul's Island, Labrador, Canada
- Inuit legends say it contains the Northern Lights
- Spectrolite from Finland shows the full spectrum of colors
Care & safety
Treat Labradorite as a collector specimen unless hardness, cleavage, and fracture are confirmed.
Avoid inhaling dust. Do not cut, grind, or polish unknown specimens without eye protection and a properly rated respirator.
Labradorite FAQ
What is Labradorite?
Labradorite is a feldspar mineral famous for its stunning iridescent display called labradorescence, showing flashes of blue, green, gold, and orange.
How much is Labradorite worth?
Entry-level Labradorite specimens sell for around $5, a typical collector specimen for about $30, and premium pieces for $300 or more. Value depends on size, condition, color, crystal quality, locality, rarity, preparation, and provenance. Treat this as educational guidance, not an appraisal.
How hard is Labradorite?
Labradorite has a Mohs hardness of 6. It is about as hard as window glass: a knife barely marks it, while a steel file (Mohs 6.5) will.
Where is Labradorite found?
Notable sources of Labradorite include Canada, Madagascar, Finland, Russia, and Mexico. Forms in mafic igneous rocks.
What is Labradorite used for?
Labradorite is used for jewelry, decorative objects, and building stone.
