Quick answer
Labradorite is a feldspar mineral famous for its flashing play of colour, an effect called labradorescence. The stone itself is usually grey to grey-black, but tilt it in the light and you see vivid blue, green and gold flashes from inside. It rates 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale and has cleavage, so it is reasonably hard but should be protected from sharp knocks.
On this page
At first glance a piece of labradorite can look like a plain grey stone, until you turn it and a sheet of electric blue or green light seems to switch on from within. That flash is what makes labradorite one of the most loved stones for jewellery, and it is a real optical effect rather than any kind of coating. This guide explains what labradorite is, exactly what creates the flash, the varieties and names you will come across, and how to care for it.
What is labradorite?
Labradorite is a member of the feldspar family, specifically the plagioclase feldspars, a series of calcium and sodium aluminium silicates that make up a large share of the Earth's crust. Its everyday body colour is an unassuming grey to grey-black, sometimes with a faint greenish or brownish tone.
What lifts it above an ordinary grey stone is the flash. Many pieces hold a vivid sheen of blue, green or gold, and the finest can show almost the full spectrum. The mineral was first described in the late eighteenth century from Labrador in Canada, which is where the name comes from.
At 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale it is moderately hard, similar to other feldspars. Its main quirk is cleavage, meaning it can split cleanly along internal planes if struck, so it is durable in normal wear but not fond of hard knocks.
What causes the flash (labradorescence)?
The flash has a proper name, labradorescence, and it is caused by the inside of the stone rather than its surface. As labradorite forms and slowly cools, it separates into extremely thin alternating layers at a microscopic scale. When light enters the stone, it reflects and scatters between these layers, and the waves interfere with one another in a way that sends certain colours back to your eye.
Because the effect depends on the angle of the light and of your view, the colour appears to switch on and off as you tilt the stone, and it often shifts from blue to green or gold. This is also why a photograph rarely does labradorite justice: the flash is directional and alive in a way a still image cannot capture.
It is worth knowing that this is a true structural effect, not a dye or a coating. That makes it a useful authenticity check, since imitations tend to show a flat, all-over rainbow rather than a directional flash that moves with the light.
Spectrolite and "rainbow moonstone"
A few names cause confusion, so it helps to set them straight. Spectrolite is a trade name for a particularly fine, dark labradorite from Finland that shows an unusually full range of flash colours. It is still labradorite, simply a top grade of it.
"Rainbow moonstone" is the name often given to a translucent white stone with a blue sheen. Despite the name, gemmologically it is usually a white variety of labradorite rather than true moonstone, which is a different feldspar. Neither name is wrong in the trade, but it is good to know they are close relatives in the same feldspar family.
How hard is labradorite, and is it water-safe?
At 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, labradorite is reasonably hard and copes well with everyday wear, but its cleavage means a sharp knock can chip or split it. Brief contact with water is fine, though it is not a stone to leave soaking. A few habits keep it flashing brightly:
- Rinse briefly, do not soak. A quick wipe with a soft, damp cloth keeps the surface clean without prolonged water contact.
- Protect it from knocks. Because it can cleave, avoid banging it against hard surfaces and take care with rings, which take the most impact.
- Keep away from harsh chemicals. Cleaning products and strong jewellery dips can dull the polish that shows off the flash.
- Store it separately. A soft pouch or lined box stops harder stones scratching the surface.
For a wider view of which stones tolerate water, see our water-safe crystals guide. To freshen up a finished piece safely, our guide on cleaning crystal jewellery safely takes you through it.
Choosing labradorite jewellery
With labradorite, the flash is everything, so it pays to look at a piece in person or in good light before buying. A few pointers:
- Tilt it in the light. Move the stone and watch the colour appear and disappear; a strong, clean flash is the mark of good material.
- Check the flash angle. Natural labradorescence shows best from certain angles, while a flat, all-over rainbow can suggest an imitation.
- Mind the cut. A well-oriented cabochon catches the flash across its face rather than only at one edge.
- Match the piece to use. Pendants and earrings are gentler on a cleavable stone than rings worn every day.
If you are buying a bracelet, our crystal bracelet size guide helps you get the fit right first time.
Shop the collection
Genuine stones, clearly described and packed with care.
Crystal Jewellery Crystal Bracelets Crystal Necklaces Tumbled StonesFrequently asked questions
Why does labradorite flash with colour?
The effect is called labradorescence. Microscopic internal layers in the stone reflect and scatter light, so certain colours flash back to your eye. It is a structural effect, not a dye or coating.
Is rainbow moonstone the same as labradorite?
They are close relatives. The white, blue-sheened stone sold as rainbow moonstone is usually a white variety of labradorite rather than true moonstone, though both belong to the feldspar family.
Can labradorite go in water?
A brief rinse is fine, but avoid long soaking, harsh chemicals and sharp knocks. Labradorite has cleavage, so it can chip if struck, and prolonged water or chemicals can dull the polish.
Is labradorite good for everyday jewellery?
At 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale it is fine for regular wear, especially as pendants and earrings. For rings, choose a secure setting since its cleavage makes it more prone to chipping than quartz.
