Labradorite Definition

Labradorite is a very unusual colored and iridescent semi precious stone. It is an iridescent gemstone with a fascinating metallic luster when viewed from certain angled. The ground color of Labradorite is a dark smoky gray, but when light strikes the stone in a particular direction, it displays striking rainbow colored reflections.

Labradorite is thought to be a power stone, allowing you to see through illusions and determine your real dreams and goals. It is said to be excellent for strengthening intuitions and quick relief from anxiety, hopelessness and depression, replacing them with enthusiasm, self-confidence and inspiration.

According to a Canadian Eskimo legend, the Northern Lights were once trapped in the rocks along the coast of Labrador, and then a wandering Eskimo warrior found them and freed most of the lights with a mighty blow of his spear. Some of the lights were still caught within the stone, however, and thus we have the beautiful mineral known as labradorite.

The ground color of labradorite is a dark smoky gray, but when light strikes the stone in a particular direction, it displays striking rainbow-colored reflections. Most typically, these metallic tints are violet, blue and green; but sometimes yellow, orange and red can be seen. This effect is so unique to labradorite that it is referred to as labradorescence.

The labradorescent effect is believed to be due to the presence of very fine platelets of different compositions as well as minute inclusions of limenite, rutile and possible magnetite which cause the diffraction of light.