Labradorite
Discover the mesmerizing beauty of labradorite, a plagioclase feldspar renowned for its enchanting labradorescent effect. Named after its discovery site at Ford Harbour, Paul Island, Labrador, Canada, this extraordinary gem exhibits a sub-vitreous lustre and a range of colours including pale green, blue, and grey-white. Its most remarkable feature is its labradorescent effect, displaying hues of blue-green, golden yellow, purple, and bronze, creating a stunning visual display.
With a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale and perfect cleavage, labradorite is prized for its versatility and allure. Composed of calcium, sodium, aluminum, silicon, and oxygen, this gemstone offers a diverse range of colours, with blue flash being the most common variety from the Tulear, on the southwest coast of Madagascar. Purple and red tones are less frequently encountered.
Labradorite belongs to the triclinic crystal system and is known by various synonyms, including Black Moonstone, Carnatite, and Opaline Feldspar. Varieties such as Lynx Eye, Oregon Sunstone, and Spectrolite add further diversity to this remarkable gemstone family, making labradorite a sought-after choice for jewellery and collectors alike.