Labradorite jewellery: history, legends, and meaning of the iridescent gemstone
Labradorite is a gemstone admired for its remarkable play of colour — a phenomenon known as labradorescence. When light moves across its surface, flashes of blue, green, and gold appear as if from within the stone itself. Found in jewellery from the Victorian era to the present day, labradorite continues to fascinate collectors, jewellers, and those drawn to its reputed spiritual properties.
The discovery and origins of labradorite
Labradorite was first identified in the late eighteenth century along the coast of Labrador in Canada, from which it takes its name. Early European explorers brought specimens back to natural history collections, where its optical qualities were quickly admired.
Later discoveries in Finland revealed an especially colourful variety known as Spectrolite, prized for its broad spectrum of iridescent hues. These stones remain popular in both antique and contemporary jewellery design.
Legends and spiritual connections
Labradorite has long been linked to light and transformation. According to an Inuit legend, the Northern Lights were once trapped within the rocks of the Labrador coast until a warrior released them with his spear — leaving fragments of light behind as labradorite.
In spiritual and metaphysical traditions, the gemstone is often said to enhance intuition and protect against negative energy. In nineteenth-century Britain, when spiritualism and the study of the unseen world were fashionable, such beliefs would have added to the stone’s attraction. Even today, many wear labradorite jewellery for its supposed connection to self-discovery and inner strength.
Labradorite in antique and modern jewellery
Since its discovery, labradorite has appeared in many forms of jewellery. Victorian jewellers occasionally set it in gold or silver, often alongside pearls or moonstones to complement its soft glow. Because labradorite is slightly softer than quartz, it was most often used in brooches, pendants, or earrings rather than rings.
In twentieth- and twenty-first-century design, the gemstone has seen renewed appreciation. Contemporary jewellers favour simple settings that highlight its shifting colours, typically using smooth cabochon cuts to reveal the full effect of labradorescence. It is also a popular choice in silver jewellery for its cool-toned luminosity.
The science behind the glow
Geologically, labradorite is a member of the plagioclase feldspar family. Its iridescence arises from microscopic layers within the crystal that scatter light at different wavelengths. This structural feature creates the flashes of colour — sometimes blue and green, other times orange or violet — that make each piece unique.
When viewed under different lighting conditions, labradorite seems almost alive, a quality that continues to make it a favourite among gem-cutters and collectors.
The enduring appeal of labradorite
Labradorite occupies a rare space between science and legend. Its optical qualities can be explained by physics, yet its shifting light continues to invite wonder. Whether incorporated into antique brooches, modern pendants, or handcrafted silver pieces, labradorite remains a gemstone that bridges natural beauty and human imagination.
For those who appreciate jewellery that tells a story — of discovery, myth, and light — labradorite offers a connection to both the earth and the sky.
You can find lots of great labradorite jewellery in the Echoes store: