Labradorite Cabochon Value Guide

This polished teardrop-shaped Labradorite cabochon showcases the mesmerizing 'schiller' effect, a phenomenon rooted in Inuit folklore as the trapped remnants of the Northern Lights. Sourced from Madagascar between 2020 and 2024, this specific specimen is highly collectible for its intense deep blue spectral display and precise lapidary work.

What affects the value of Labradorite Cabochon?

• Intensity and coverage of the blue labradorescence across the surface of the cabochon.
• Clarity of the base mineral and the absence of dull or 'dead' spots in the flash.
• Precision of the teardrop cut and the quality of the final polish.
• Current market demand for Madagascar-sourced specimens within the $15 to $16.50 price range.

How to Identify Labradorite Cabochon?

• Look for the characteristic labradorescence, a metallic optical effect that shifts as the stone is rotated.
• Verify the teardrop shape and smooth, high-gloss polish typical of modern Madagascar production.
• Check for internal fractures or 'veins' which are natural characteristics of the feldspar mineral structure.
• Confirm the origin by the specific saturation of the blue flash, often associated with Madagascan deposits.

History of Labradorite Cabochon

First discovered in Labrador, Canada, in 1770, this mineral is famous for its 'schiller' effect or labradorescence. Native Inuit folklore once claimed the Northern Lights were trapped inside the rocks along the coast, released only when struck by a spear, leaving the glowing remnants we see in the stone today.