Labradorite Properties: A Guide to the Meaning, Symbolism, and History of the Stone of Transformation and Protection
Labradorite is a stunning gemstone that captivates with its iridescent play of colors. Found in the igneous rocks of Canada, Finland, Russia, and Norway, labradorite's physical and metaphysical properties have made it a favorite among gemstone enthusiasts and spiritual practitioners alike.
Physical Properties of Labradorite
Labradorite is a member of the feldspar mineral family and is renowned for its remarkable iridescence, known as labradorescence (how cool of a word is that?). This optical effect displays vibrant hues such as blues, greens, gray, gold, and purples that shimmer and change as the stone moves or is viewed from different angles. The shimmering effect is caused by light interference within the stone's layers, giving it a magical and ethereal appearance. Labradorite, with a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, is relatively durable and is a good choice for many types of jewelry, including earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
Labradorite's Metaphysical Properties
Labradorite is often referred to as the stone of transformation and spiritual growth in the realm of metaphysical properties. It is said to enhance intuition, psychic abilities, and inner strength, making it a popular choice for those seeking to access their higher consciousness and spiritual wisdom. Labradorite is also associated with promoting mental clarity, creativity, and inspiration, making it a valuable companion for artists, writers, and creatives. Its association with the throat and third eye chakras makes it an ideal stone for supporting clear communication, intuitive insight, and spiritual awareness.
Historical Usage of Labradorite
Labradorite's captivating beauty has adorned decorative objects and jewelry for centuries. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, labradorite gained popularity in Europe as a material for decorative objects, including vases, tabletops, and sculptures. The gemstone's iridescence added an enchanting allure to these pieces, making them highly sought after by art collectors and enthusiasts. This German gold and labradorite decorative box, a part of the permanent collection at The Victoria & Albert Museum in London, is a stunning example of 19th-century labradorite usage.
German gold and labradorite decorative box at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
In the realm of jewelry, labradorite has been used in various cultural and historical contexts. Inuit tribes in Canada have long revered labradorite as a mystical stone, believing that the Northern Lights were once trapped within the rocks along the coast of Labrador and were freed by one of their ancestors striking the rock with his spear. This legend adds to the stone's mystique and connects it to the natural beauty of the Arctic region. The Inuit began using labradorite in their daily lives, making amulets and talismans and attributing protective and spiritual properties to these radiant gems. The crystal became a symbol of guidance and served as a conduit to connect with their ancestors.
Georg Jensen, a Danish silversmith and jewelry designer/maker, revived the tradition of the artist-craftsman and was a driving force of the Art Nouveau style of decorative arts. He often used labradorite in his jewelry designs. This early 19th century labradorite and silver pendant on a silk cord is an excellent example of the period (plus, the combination of gemstones with fiber is right up my alley!). This historical piece is available at Greg Pepin Silver.
1915-1927 George Jensen Labradorite Necklace available at Greg Pipin Silver
Today, labradorite continues to be a popular choice for jewelry designers, who incorporate its iridescent allure into necklaces, rings, and earrings. Its unique play of colors makes each piece of labradorite jewelry a one-of-a-kind creation, adding a touch of magic and elegance to the wearer's ensemble.
******************
The Stitch Alliance, created by Renee Haas, explores the intersection between fiber arts, gemstones, feminism, and handmade jewelry. Sign up for the newsletter and receive a free Gemstone Guide.