Beautiful Iridescent Labradorite is an Instant Favorite and has Ornamental, Spiritual and Metaphysical Benefits

Beautiful Iridescent Labradorite is an Instant Favorite and has Ornamental, Spiritual and Metaphysical Benefits 
An Introduction to the History, Metaphysical and Spiritual Benefits of Labradorite

Labradorite is an instant favorite for just about anyone interested in jewelry, artisan sculptures or collecting raw specimens from the earth.  The iridescent colors that pop forth from this otherwise dark, non-eye-catching stone are gorgeous.  Visually, it is similar to moonstone, a more well-known mineral.  However, think of a rainbow display from a dark rock instead of a rainbow display from a light rock.  If you can do that in your head, you have labradorite. 

If you already have a labradorite piece or perhaps you just discovered a gorgeous pendant or strand of beads and you learned it was labradorite, read on to get to know a little more about this interesting and unique mineral.  Learn about the origin and the spiritual and metaphysical benefits of labradorite.

Labradorite and its Interesting History

Labradorite is recognized and mostly credited as being discovered by Moravian missionaries in 1770.  While working with the Inuit and Innu, the missionaries discovered this unique mineral and named it after its discovery site, the Labrador Peninsula in Canada.  However, the indigenous people of the area had been admiring and using labradorite for centuries.  In 1771, labradorite was introduced to England and France where it was immediately cut and polished for jewelry.

Metaphysical History of Labradorite

As stated, labradorite was used by the indigenous Inuit and Innu peoples of Canada.  Stories on the stones' origins were passed down from generation to generation.  One story talks of an extraterrestrial being who saw stars within the earth. This being, therefore, came to earth to release the stars (labradorite) back into the sky by pounding on them and breaking up the rock beds.  The shards flew back up into the night sky.

Labradorite is connected to the stars, which due to its display of iridescent color is not surprising. Fragments were left on earth.  To this day, labradorite is one of the most connected stones to the Universe metaphysically and spiritually.

Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Applications

·      Labradorite is said to be a calming stone that may help reduce stress as well as help connect us and open our psychic abilities.  It is considered as one of the sobriety stones.

·      It is physically used on the sacral, throat and crown body energy points, which are the 2nd, 5th and 7th chakra points respectively.

·      It’s most popular use is most likely with the crown chakra (7th).  It is considered as a bridge where one may connect with his or her higher self, especially in meditation. 

·      It’s a very positive stone where the wearer can feel safe and secure from negativity energies, as it is said that labradorite can take a negative energy, thought or feeling and replace it to its corresponding positive energy.

·      Especially while working with the crown chakra, labradorite is also said to help with imagination and creativity.  It is a stone of inspiration.

Physical and Health Benefits of Labradorite

·      Labradorite may aid the human body in several ways.  Wearing labradorite is said to aid in digestion and help women with the physical ailments of menstruation (which relates to the sacral chakra). 

·      Again, it is said to be a calming stone, aiding in and repelling negative stresses, such as anxiety or depression by turning these feelings into calmness and happiness.

·      It is also said to help bring clarity to the mind by focusing thoughts.

Other Interesting Facets about Labradorite and What Makes that Wonderful Flash

·      The chemical composition of labradorite is calcium sodium aluminum silicate ((Ca,Na)Al1-2Si3-2O8 ).

·      Labradorite is one of the plagioclase feldspar minerals, meaning that it is rich in sodium and calcium and that the sodium and calcium atoms can substitute with each other within the molecular crystal framework.  There are several other components that define plagioclase feldspar.  Another notable one is that the crystals are twinned (run parallel to each other), as is the case with labradorite.  Feldspar is derived from the German words feld and spath.  Together, they translate to a rock that does not contain ore.  Another ornamental feldspar you may know is sunstone.

·      Most labradorite still comes from Labrador, Canada.  However, notable occurrences are found within Madagascar, Australia, Mexico, the U.S., Russia and Finland.  The specimens from Finland are mostly called “spectrolite.”  You may be familiar with the term spectrolite.  It is a branded name given to labradorite to increase the minerals value.  Spectrolite is defined as having, not only the blue and green flashes, but also the yellow and orange flashes within the same specimen.  While other specimens do this from around the world, technically only those found in Finland can be properly called spectrolite. 

·      The first time one sees labradorite flash is magical.  I imagine the awe those first Moravian missionaries must have felt upon glancing over and seeing labradorite for the first time in the sun on the peninsula.  The beauty and iridescent color display is unlike any other and is unique to labradorite.  It can be visually comparable to what you experience when looking at other chatoyant minerals (cat’s eye or tiger-eye for example).  However, the process is unique to labradorite and is called labradorescence.   This is possibly one of the most exciting aspects of labradorite.

·      Simply described, labradorescence occurs when light gets trapped between layers of lamellar crystals.  The light bounces back and forth between the layers.  The wavelengths that escape are different than those that go in as the light is bent.  It makes for one gorgeous display of color.

I hope you find labradorite as one beautiful, interesting mineral.  It is a truly unique mineral, and we all can benefit from its aesthetic beauty. 

The overall western medical community does not recognize the benefits of gemstones.  Please do not replace the listed uses with your health practitioner’s recommendations.