Labradorite

Labradorite belongs to a large mineral family of feldspars, of which almost two thirds of all rocks on earth consist. It is a variety of plagioclase feldspar and is a mixture of albite and anorthite, a sodium and calcium aluminium silicate respectively, although is more sodium than calcium rich in its composition.

Labradorite is a greyish stone with an iridescent play of colour called labradorescence. The sheen is caused by interference of light between an arrangement of ‘platelets’ and tiny inclusions of rutile, ilmenite and magnetite. Light striking labradorite can cause rainbow coloured reflections in colours of violet, blue, green, yellow, orange and red. Labradorite has a hardness of 6.0 – 6.5 on Mohs' scale of hardness so care should be taken with the stone. Labradorite is usually cut and polished as a cabochon to enhance its optical phenomenon.

Labradorite occurs in metamorphic and igneous rocks in Labrador in Canada, the place of its origin, and from where the name comes, the USA, Australia, Mexico, Norway, with Finland and Madagascar producing the best rocks.

According to an Eskimo legend, the Northern Lights were once imprisoned in the rock along Labrador’s coast. An Eskimo warrior found them and freed the lights with a huge blow of his spear. Some of the lights remained trapped within the stone, giving the beautiful mineral known as l abradorite. In the 18^th Century, labradorite was often used in jewellery in England and France and was particularly used in letters for mottos, like ‘L’ in ‘Good Luck’. Traditionally, labradorite is thought to bring good luck.

Labradorite is not a birthstone, but it is believed to provide relief from anxious thoughts and depression, instead replacing negativity with enthusiasm, inspiration and confidence. It is thought to enhance clear thinking and help in working for long periods of time without tiring.