Labradorite

A gray plagioclase feldspar that flashes electric blue, green and gold when light hits it at the right angle.

Labradorite specimen — Photo: Parent Géry, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

How to identify labradorite

Dull gray until tilted — then a vivid blue/green flash.
Fine parallel lines on cleavage faces.
Hardness about 6.
Flash only appears from one direction.

Often confused with

Opal
Opal's color appears as pinpoint patches from many angles; labradorite flashes as a sheet.
Compare side by side
Orthoclase
Orthoclase is pink or cream and has no color flash.
Compare side by side

Where it's found

Labrador, Canada
Finland
Madagascar

Uses

Gemstones, countertops and decorative tiles.

Rock tumbling

Great for tumbling.

Did you know?

The color play has its own name — labradorescence — caused by light bouncing between microscopic layers.

Think you could spot it from a blurry close-up?

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