Labradorite: The Enchanted Stone of Light and Legend

At first glance, labradorite appears to be an ordinary stone—grey, green, or dark blue in hue. But tilt it slightly, and it comes alive with a kaleidoscope of iridescent colour: deep flashes of electric blue, gold, violet and even fiery orange. This optical phenomenon, known as labradorescence, is what has made labradorite not only a treasured gemstone, but a material steeped in myth, mysticism, and natural wonder.

At Outrage Jewellers, we believe every stone tells a story—and labradorite’s tale is as radiant as its luminous sheen.

A Stone Discovered in the Cold North

Labradorite was first officially recorded in 1770 on the rugged coastline of Labrador, Canada—hence its name. Moravian missionaries are credited with bringing it to European attention after encountering the stone among the local Inuit peoples. However, it was far from a “discovery” in the traditional sense. The Inuit had long known of the stone’s existence and held it in deep cultural regard.

According to Inuit legend, the Northern Lights were once trapped inside the rocks along the Labrador coast. A brave warrior struck the stones with his spear, releasing the shimmering lights back into the sky—but some remained imprisoned in the stone. This poetic tale perfectly captures the way labradorite reflects light from within, like a flicker of the aurora borealis itself.

A Spiritual and Mystical Gem

From its earliest use, labradorite has been more than decorative. In ancient and modern traditions alike, it’s considered a stone of protection, transformation, and intuition. Shamans and healers across cultures have turned to labradorite for its supposed metaphysical properties, believing it helps to awaken one’s inner spirit and shield against negativity.

In crystal lore, it’s often referred to as the “stone of magic”—a fitting title for a gem that seems to glow with an otherworldly light. Whether worn in jewellery or used in ritual, labradorite is associated with self-discovery and personal awakening.

From Folklore to Fine Jewellery

By the 19th century, labradorite had become a fashionable choice for Victorian jewellery, prized not only for its unique lustre but also its subtle sophistication. Its relative affordability made it accessible to a wider audience, unlike more extravagant gemstones such as sapphire or ruby.

In the 20th and 21st centuries, labradorite found renewed popularity among designers who embraced its mystical allure. Art Nouveau jewellers, such as Louis Comfort Tiffany, incorporated it into their ethereal designs. More recently, contemporary jewellers have fallen in love with its unpredictable flashes of colour—each stone unique, each piece of jewellery one-of-a-kind.

At Outrage Jewellers, our labradorite collection celebrates the stone’s natural magic. Whether cut into sleek cabochons, faceted into abstract forms, or paired with complementary stones like moonstone and onyx, it continues to captivate the imagination of our designers and customers alike.

Global Sources and Unique Varieties

Though first found in Canada, labradorite has since been sourced from several locations across the globe. Notable deposits exist in Finland, Madagascar, Mexico, Russia, and India. Finnish labradorite, often called spectrolite, is particularly vibrant, displaying a broader spectrum of colours than other varieties.

Each origin gives the stone a subtly different character. For instance, Madagascar labradorite tends to exhibit bright blues and golds, while Indian labradorite often contains more green and earthy undertones. At Outrage Jewellers, we hand-select stones from diverse origins to ensure every piece showcases the finest labradorescence nature has to offer.

Caring for Your Labradorite

Despite its mystical qualities, labradorite is not a particularly hard stone—ranking about 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale. This means it should be treated with a bit of care. Avoid exposing your labradorite jewellery to harsh chemicals or abrasives, and store it separately from harder stones to prevent scratching.

With minimal maintenance, your labradorite piece can remain as dazzling as the day it was crafted.

Labradorite Today: A Symbol of Individuality

In an age where mass production is the norm, labradorite stands out as a gemstone of individuality. No two stones are alike, and their changing colours reflect the light and mood of each moment. It’s a perfect metaphor for our own inner complexity—our ever-shifting light and shadow.

Whether you're drawn to its spiritual significance, its dramatic colour play, or simply its natural beauty, labradorite invites you to embrace the unexpected. At Outrage Jewellers, we honour its history and harness its magic—crafting pieces that feel as ancient as the stars and as modern as your next adventure.

Explore our Labradorite Jewellery Collection and discover a stone that speaks to your soul.