Labradorite

Labradorite is a calcium-rich plagioclase feldspar (chemical formula roughly (Ca,Na)(Al,Si)₄O₈) with a Mohs hardness of 6–6.5. Its signature flash, called labradorescence, is a thin-film interference effect: light reflecting off microscopic layers of differing composition inside the crystal produces shifting blue, green, gold, and violet sheens at specific viewing angles. The mineralogy is well-understood; the metaphysical reputation is a separate, modern overlay. In crystal healing, labradorite is used as a protective and intuition-supporting stone. Practitioners place it on the brow during meditation with the intent of sharpening focus, and carry it through periods of change as a tactile anchor. None of these effects have been demonstrated under controlled conditions; the stone functions, in practical terms, as a cue for attention. Spectrolite (the dark-base Finnish variety) and rainbow moonstone (a closely related feldspar) are often grouped with it.

Labradorite was first identified by Moravian missionaries in 1770 on Paul Island off the coast of Labrador, Canada — the source of its name. The Inuit of the region had long incorporated similar stones into ceremonial objects and tell a story of the Northern Lights being trapped in coastal rock until a warrior freed most of them with a spear, leaving the rest as labradorite's flash. Scientific description followed in the 1780s; Finnish deposits were discovered in 1940 near the village of Ylämaa, where the dark-base spectrolite variety was identified during WWII fortification work. Today major sources include Canada, Madagascar, Finland, and Russia.

Wear or carry labradorite when you want a tactile cue for focus or a reminder during periods of change — that's the use case most users report something useful from. Place it on the brow during meditation if you find the visual flash settles attention; some don't. To care for it, rinse under cool running water and dry — labradorite is moderately hard (6–6.5 Mohs) but feldspar can chip on hard surfaces. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, which can dull the iridescence over years. Genuine specimens always show the colour flash at some angle — uniform-colour 'labradorite' beads are usually dyed or mislabelled.