So far I’ve only been writing in my blog about gemstones that are birthstones. I’ve decided that it’s time to start writing about gemstones that don’t happen to be birthstones. I don’t know how often I’ll be able to post about a gemstone, but I’ll do it when I can. I’ve decided to start off my series with labradorite, which has been a really popular stone this year.
Labradorite is a plagioclase feldspar mineral that is named after the region of Canada (Labrador) where it is commonly mined. Labradorite is a popular gemstone because of the “flash” it exhibits from certain angles in a rainbow of colors. This flash is also known as the Schiller effect, and a stone with a lot of flash is said to have a lot of labradorescence. Labradorite is typically gray in color (often a brownish gray), and it has a hardness of about 6-6.5 on Moh’s hardness scale (where diamond is a 10). Although labradorite is relatively resistant to scratches, it is fairly easy to break.
Labradorite is found in mafic (dark-colored; containing Mg and Fe) igneous rocks such as basalt (volcanic), gabbro (plutonic), and anorthite (plutonic).
From mineralminers.com: “Labradorite is said to provide quick relief from anxiety, hopelessness and depression, replacing them with enthusiasm, self-confidence and inspiration. It is said to dispel negativity and to bring clear understanding by enhancing clarity of thought and improving one’s ability to cooperate with others in harmony. Labradorite is also said to give perseverance, strength and enhanced intuition when one is experiencing times of conflict and change.”
“Labradorite is said to be helpful in treating eye and brain disorders, and to help regulate metabolism and the digestive process.”
Question of the Day: Does anyone know anything about blue labradorite? I bought some at a gem show recently, and the vendor didn’t really know too much. I suspect that it is dyed, but I haven’t been able to find information online about it.
micheledodge
Latest posts by micheledodge (see all)
- White Swarovski Pearls on Long Sterling Silver Ear Wires – Earrings s10e057 - February 28, 2011
- White Swarovski Pearls on Circular Sterling Silver Ear Wires – Earrings s10e056 - February 28, 2011
- Black Onyx on Long Sterling Silver Ear Wires – Earrings s10e054 - February 28, 2011
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s quite disturbing. Very wrong.
Although it would be AWESOME to dye my cats. Not by injection, though. Kess would look great pink, Forest purple, and Tiger GREEEEEN!!!!
They inject them with needles to get the dye in there…
They dye fish? Really? That’s bizarre.
I bet that the blue Labradorite is dyed. They do that with some aquarium fish. I prefer the natural look that fish have. The dye can actually start making the fish look sick as the fish gets bigger.
Great info! Labradorite is one of my favorite gems 🙂
I definitely need to put some time into my DaWanda shop. It’s hard to decide which items to put in which shop. DaWanda seems like a great site – a good way for me to practice my German too!
Wow, what great information you provide on stones. This is definately a blog to keep an eye on.
Nice to find another DaWanda seller too!
Sara x