Malagasy labradorite is a fascinating gemstone prized for its rainbow luster, an effect dubbed labradorescence. Its metallic luminance shimmers in shades of silver, violet, blue-green, and gold.
The gemstone labradorite was originally discovered on the Labrador Peninsula in eastern Canada around 1770. Other labradorite deposits have been found in Australia, Finland, India, Madagascar, Mexico, and in the United States. Its Spectrolite variety can only be obtained from Finland. Labradorite belongs to the plagioclase branch of the feldspar group. Its "schiller" or metallic luster can be observed when light hits the stone at an angle. Its metallic luminance, called labradorescence, includes violet, blue green, yellow and red hues. The presence of fine platelets of various materials and tiny additions of limenite, rutile and magnetite produce this spectacular diffusion of light. Malagasy labradorite has a dark, smoky gray base color until light strikes the stone and reveals its beautiful rainbow colored reflection. This gemstone can only be found in a small number of places around the world. A 2009 dig in the Malagasy area of Madagascar has revealed some of the best quality stones.
LOCATION: Madagascar
Labradorite was named after the Labrador Peninsula in eastern Canada where it was first found around 1770. However, pieces of the gemstone also have been found among artifacts of the Native Americans in Maine. Other labradorite deposits have been found in Australia, Finland, Madagascar, India, Mexico and the Adirondack Mountains of the United States.
We source Labradorite from the Malagasy region of Madagascar. These gemstones are in their natural state, and no kind of treatment or additional enhancement has been applied to them.