Labradorite is a calcium enriched feldspar mineral, first identified in Labrador, Canada, which can display an iridescent effect. Labradorite can exhibit a schiller effect, a strong play of colors due to thin microscopic inclusions within a translucent mineral, which refracts & reflects incident light. Labradorite is so well known for this spectacular display that the phenomenon is known as labradorescence.
This effect is not caused by colors reflected from the surface, but from light entering the stone & striking a twinning surface & reflecting back the color seen on the surface. Different twinning surfaces reflect different colors of light. Light reflecting from different twinning surfaces in various parts of the stone can give the stone a multi-colored appearance.
But according to Inuit legend, Labradorite contains the Northern Lights trapped after falling from the sky. The tale speaks of a great warrior, who saw those Northern Lights trapped inside the rocks & struck them fiercely with his spear to release them back to the skies. Any light remaining in the rocks was thought to be protection provided by greater powers than here on earth. For the Inuit, Labradorite brought clarity of mind & comfort.
Labradorite, known for its changing colors, is known as a stone of transformation, enhancing strength of will & inner worth. It said to balance & protect, raise consciousness & ground spiritual energies.
