What is Labradorite?
Labradorite is a natural gemstone variety of Anorite, a Calcium rich type of plagioclase Feldspar in the Albite-Anorthite series. Because of the lamellar structure of Labradorite, it can exhibit a schiller effect, more commonly referred to as "flash" or "labradorescence." This is caused by the way light plays over lattice distortions within the stone's structure. Not all Labradorites exhibit this brilliant shine, even if they have the right composition, since it is not visible from all angles after polishing. However, Labradorite has been found with a schiller effect exhibiting many different shades, resulting in various colors: Blue Labradorite, Green Labradorite, Golden Labradorite, Pink Labradorite, Purple Labradorite, Rainbow Labradorite, and Red Labradorite. Labradorites that exhibit a particularly strong labradorescence due to natural exsolution of K-Feldspar (Potassium dominant Feldspar) are sometimes called Spectrolites and are highly prized for their use in making natural stone cabochons.
Labradorite Meaning and Metaphysical Properties
Labradorite is known as a gemstone of awakening, sparking positive change, and personal evolution. Since it is associated with the Higher Chakras-- Throat Chakra, Third Eye Chakra, and Crown Chakra-- Labradorite is used for creativity, spiritual growth, and seeking metaphysical wisdom. Labradorite is thought of as a gem for strengthening psychic abilities such as prophetic visions, telepathic power, clairvoyance, and clairaudience, allowing us to be more receptive to inspiration, intuition, and the well of our own magic. Labradorite is believed to encourage the growth of new skills and ideas so that we can express ourselves openly and authentically. This makes Labradorite a wonderful crystal for new beginnings, since it is very much a stone for being ourselves and finding the wonder within.
What is Labradorite Good For?
Labradorite stone is used when creating crystal towers, crystal spheres, tumbled stones, gemstone jewelry, and lapidary slices, in addition to intricate crystal carvings. This is because Labradorite is a highly popular stone among crystal healers, reiki practitioners, and those who incorporate crystal magic into their spiritual practice. Crystal grids using tumbled Labradorite stones often pair the Labradorite with other gems such as Iolite, Amethyst, Angelite, or Celestite since these crystals work well together for expanding spiritual awareness and encouraging our intuition to thrive.
How to Cleanse Labradorite
We're often asked, "Can Labradorite go in water?" Although Labradorite is a 6 - 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, we advise not submerging your Labradorite in liquids for long periods. This is because the structure of the stone may become damaged over time. We always suggest spiritually cleansing and charging crystals with the use of a Selenite bowl or by Full Moonlight exposure, since these methods won't cause any damage. Smoke Cleansing (smudging) with Sage, Palo Santo, dried herbs, or Incense is another safe way to spiritually cleanse your Labradorite.