Labradorite

Specifications

Labradorite is a silicate belonging to the plagioclase family. It is a transparent to opaque mineral with a vitreous and oily luster. It is found in crystals, aggregates and massive masses. Labradorite has a strength of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. Its pleochroism varies according to the color of labradorite. It can be zero, or yellow or orange.

Labradorite is an unusual mineral. It can present a splendid colour scheme, caused by internal fractures in the mineral that reflect the light, scattering in different colours. This effect, known as labradorescence, gives Labradorite its attraction and fame. Specimens sold to collectors are usually polished or cut by dealers to bring out this effect. The stones are sometimes sold in the water, which improves their effect.

Labradorite is a delicate stone to cut, and rather fragile, because of its structure in twin strips. In addition, it is necessary to choose the right size plan because the adularescence effect is visible only under a single angle of observation. This gem is often cut in the shape of a cabochon, but some exceptional stones can sometimes be faceted.

Origin

Labradorite was formed in metamorphic or magmatic rocks. The main deposits are located in northern Canada, in the Labrador region. Other mines are exploited in the United States (light yellow labradorite in Oregon), Finland, Mexico, Russia, Madagascar (Ampanihy mines: pink labradorite, white, spectrolite) in Ukraine.

Virtues

We lend to labradorite many virtues in lithotherapy, both physical and psychological.

It offers a kind of mental protection blocking anything that can affect the clarity of mind and psychological balance. Thus, it would be especially recommended for people working in the medical field, hospitals, as well as all professions where the main thing is to care for others. A labradorite can be placed in a doctor's office to absorb the negative waves. Teachers and lawyers are also concerned by the beneficial properties of this stone.

For those interested in dowsing, labradorite has properties that magnify sensitivity to magnetic and telluric emanations. It increases the ability to understand, see and hear better. In this, it is related to the chakra of the third eye.

Also associated with the chakras of the hands, it increases healing powers on oneself and on others. Furthermore, it makes it possible to restore harmony between the feminine principle (Yin) and the male principle (Yang). This is why it is recommended for magnetizers.

The labradorite is said to help its wearer in being less stressed, and regulate his metabolism. It has effects on hormonal disorders, blood pressure and it reduces fatigue.

Carried by solitary hearts, it is thought to increase the chances of finally meeting the soul mate!

History

The Scandinavian people and the Eskimos connect labradorite to the aurora borealis, to which the gems have borrowed their magnificent iridescence. For the Inuit, in particular, the aurora would have been held captive on rocks in Labrador. A man broke them with his spear to release the celestial lights ... They went up into the heavens, but some remained on the ground, in the form of shimmering gems ...

As early as the year one thousand, the Algonquin Amerindians used this rock to carve various objects that have been found since in Maine.

It is said that people who feel particularly attracted to labradorite would have distant origins to the sunken continent of Atlantis ...

In the second half of the nineteenth century, some jewelers made neo-antique (Tiffany) and neo-Egyptian (Paul Brandt) style jewellery made of labradorite carved in cameos or engraved intaglio.