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Natural Labradorite 110ct Teardrop Cabochon
€11.20 EUR
Natural Labradorite
Labradorite is a plagioclase feldspar ((Ca,Na)(Al,Si)4O8) with a grey to almost black base color, sometimes with a subtle greenish or brownish cast. Its famous feature is labradorescence: bright flashes of blue, green, gold, orange and sometimes purple that sweep across the stone as it turns. With a Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5 it is moderately hard and suits pendants, earrings and cabochons.
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Gemstone guide
Natural Labradorite
About labradorite
Labradorite is named after the Labrador peninsula in Canada, where it was described in the eighteenth century. Its colors are not pigment but light: inside the stone, very thin layers of slightly different feldspar reflect and interfere with light, much like the colors on a soap bubble. Finland produces an especially colorful variety called spectrolite, and Madagascar and India are major sources of cabochon material.
What you'll find in this collection
Our labradorite comes from India and Madagascar and is untreated. You'll find cabochons in oval, round and pear shapes, labradorite hearts and small lots, from about 4 to over 180 carats, many with strong blue flash.
How to recognise labradorite
The flash appears only from certain angles, and turning the stone switches it on and off, often across one face at a time. Look closely and you will often see fine parallel lines and dark needle inclusions in the grey body. Rainbow moonstone, sold as a moonstone, is actually a nearly colorless labradorite with a multicolored sheen.
Caring for labradorite
Labradorite has two cleavage directions and can chip if knocked. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush, and avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners and harsh chemicals.
Every stone is natural, and each listing gives its weight, size, origin and treatment, with photos of the actual stone.