Labradorite Value Guide

First discovered in 1770 by Moravian missionaries on the Isle of Paul, Labradorite is a captivating feldspar mineral prized for its unique schiller effect. This collectible stone is historically significant for its use by the Inuit and Innu peoples and remains a staple in jewelry due to its dramatic iridescent flashes.

What affects the value of Labradorite?

• Intensity and variety of the iridescent color flashes, with full-spectrum 'spectrolite' varieties commanding higher prices.
• Overall clarity and the absence of significant surface fractures or dull spots in the polish.
• The size and weight of the specimen, typically valued between $10 and $30 for standard collector pieces.
• Historical provenance or quality of the lapidary work if the stone is cut or polished.

How to Identify Labradorite?

• Look for the signature labradorescence, which displays metallic flashes of blue, green, or gold when rotated under light.
• Verify the origin as Canadian or similar geological deposits to ensure authentic feldspar composition.
• Check for a dark gray or grayish-green base color that serves as the backdrop for the optical schiller effect.
• Examine the internal cleavage planes which are characteristic of the mineral's crystalline structure.

History of Labradorite

Labradorite was first discovered in 1770 on the Isle of Paul in Labrador, Canada, by Moravian missionaries. Its striking optical phenomenon quickly made it popular among collectors and jewelers. Indigenous peoples of Labrador, the Inuit and Innu, used pulverized labradorite for medicinal purposes.