Labradorite: A Thriller with Schiller
Labradorite is a member of the feldspar mineral family. Measuring between 6 and 6 ½ on the Mohs scale, labradorite, by far, is not the strongest gemstone. Labradorite is, however, a gemstone with many metaphysical attributes.
Labradorite was first discovered in 1770. Canada’s Labrador Peninsula was the location of this find. Since that time, labradorite has also been found in Madagascar, Australia, Russia, Mexico, Norway, and the United States. One variety of labradorite, spectrolite, has only been found in Finland. Spectrolite is usually blue and semi-transparent.
Most labradorite is gray to black in color. It is a unique gemstone, however, in that it displays flashes of color play. The color play is known as labradorescence. Colors such as green, blue, violet, yellow, and orange are sometimes visible. Very rare labradorites will show all of these colors at the same time. Labradorite, in its growth stages, experiences an effect called twinning. Twinning is simply an error in crystal growth.
Depending upon how a ray of light enters a labradorite stone, various flashes of color (labradorescence) are produced. As a ray of light enters the labradorite gemstone, it proceeds to go deeper inward, bouncing around on different layers within the stone. This refraction process produces different colors that emit from the labradorite gemstone. Labradorite is similar to sunstone in that it has a schiller effect. However, this effect can’t be seen from every angle.
Labradorite is known by many names. Mauilite, labrador feldspar, labrador moonstone, black moonstone, carnatite, silicate, and opaline feldspar are just a few.
Metaphysically, labradorite stimulates creativity, clears the mind to allow for better focusing of thoughts, relieves feelings of insecurity, and increases self-esteem. For anyone on a diet, labradorite also regulates metabolism.
Cabochon is usually the cut for the labradorite gemstone. It is best to clean labradorite with water, a toothbrush, and mild soap. Whenever possible, always try to store your gemstone jewelry in a manner in which it will not come into contact with other jewelry or hard items.
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