Labradorite Rough Stone Value Guide

Labradorite rough stone is a captivating feldspar mineral first identified in 1770 by Moravian missionaries on Paul's Island, Canada. It is highly collectible for its unique labradorescence, a shimmering optical effect that indigenous peoples believed captured the essence of the Northern Lights.

What affects the value of Labradorite Rough Stone?

• Intensity and variety of colors visible in the 'flash' significantly impact the $17 base valuation.
• The size and weight of the rough specimen, as larger raw pieces are rarer for collectors.
• The presence of a full spectrum of colors, including rarer purples and oranges, versus standard blue-green hues.
• The overall clarity of the mineral and the absence of excessive internal fractures that might dull the iridescence.

How to Identify Labradorite Rough Stone?

• Look for the signature labradorescence, which displays flashes of blue, green, yellow, or purple when tilted against light.
• Verify the origin as Canadian, specifically from the Labrador region, to ensure historical authenticity.
• Examine the raw surface for a characteristic grey-green base color typical of unpolished feldspar minerals.
• Check for a crystalline structure that reflects light internally rather than just on the surface of the stone.

History of Labradorite Rough Stone

Labradorite was first discovered in 1770 by Moravian missionaries on Paul's Island near Nain, Labrador, Canada. It quickly became popular due to its striking play of colors, known as labradorescence, which appears as a shimmering blue, green, yellow, or even purple light when viewed from certain angles. Indigenous peoples of Labrador used pulverized labradorite as a magical healing powder and believed it contained the aurora borealis.