We can all use a little help, encouragement, and inspiration sometimes. Whatever you believe about the healing properties of gemstones, it’s undeniable: Jewelry empowers us. That’s the motivation behind our Gemstone Feature series. By sharing the stories of some of the gemstones gracing our latest Bloom pieces, we celebrate the countless ways jewelry brings positive energy to our lives.
Though Labradorite isn’t specifically associated with any star signs or anniversaries, its seemingly magical, light-infused appearance has long been associated with the Northern Lights. As with our Lapis Lazuli collection, embodying the entire night sky reduced to the size of a single stone, we love thinking of our new Labradorite Collection as delivering a miniaturized version — in jewelry form! — of that unparalleled experience of light, wonder, and beauty.
Indeed, Labradorite is all about finding and sharing the light. Read on to learn why.
What is Labradorite?
Labradorite is a type of feldspar. In German, the word feldspar translates to “field stone.” But as the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) explains, gem-quality Labradorite is “anything but common. It is a phenomenal gemstone, which means it displays a delightful optical property. When light strikes its surface, it exhibits areas with bright flashes of color (blue is the most common color) caused by light interacting with thin layers in the stone.”
Labradorite may appear at first glance to be a range of colors, including everything from blue, red, red/green (aka “watermelon”), purple, yellow, gold, and green to black, gray, brown, or even clear — or it may appear “labradorescent,” displaying a brilliant interplay of colors. This effect is caused by Labradorite’s internal structures, which selectively reflect colors.
As the International Gem Society (IGS) outlines, crystals don’t always form in a single step. Sometimes they stop growing due to depleted elements; when they resume growing, they may grow in layers. This is known as “twinning.” Labradorescence is the result of twinning across the entire stone. In other words, that lovely and mysterious light that seems to come from within the Labradorite stone? It truly does!
What Is the Meaning of Labradorite?
The most common meaning of Labradorite is that it is a stone of inner light, worth, and power. It’s also regarded as a stone of transformation. It’s not hard to understand why, given the rather striking light-based effects of the mineral twinning.
Our day-to-day lives don’t always feel filled with light. Often, we feel we need to look outside of ourselves to find the inspiration, energy, or truth we may think we need to keep going. But the idea behind the meaning of Labradorite is that, when you behold this gorgeous, lustrous stone, you’re remembering — and connecting with — a special kind of light that’s always present and possible. Specifically, you’re reminded that each of us has an inner light, even if we forget it’s there sometimes.
Sometimes, to catch the light just right and bring out all the colors, you have to move the Labradorite stone around in the light. But the essential meaning of Labradorite is that it’s always within your power to bring out and connect with that inner light.
What Are the Healing Properties of Labradorite?
The supposed healing properties of Labradorite are a clear reflection of the meaning of Labradorite suggested above. Labradorite is thought to:
- Promote your ability to connect with your inner light, whether that’s in the form of your self-worth, creativity, truth, or power. Again, the idea is that everyone has an inner light that is always within reach. Focusing on a seemingly light-filled piece of Labradorite may help you remember and connect with it.
- Heal and shield from negativity, tap into positive thinking, and awaken energy and potential. When we are able to focus on the light, it’s easier to move past the darkness, fear, anxiety, and self-doubt that too often weigh us down.
- Increase your power to transform yourself and your life. When you remember your inner power and self-worth, you remember that you’re capable of making changes in your world. These changes may lead you to a greater sense of fulfillment, and to a life that better reflects your inner truth or creativity. Just turn the Labradorite stone a little in the light to watch it change and come alive, and remember your own power to change.
Whatever your general beliefs about the healing properties of gemstones, the simple message behind the purported healing properties of Labradorite isn’t so hard to get your head around. A stone that, simply through its appearance, helps you remember the light, power, and value inside you? We can’t help thinking that’s a bit more beautiful and powerful than any inspirational bumper sticker or refrigerator magnet.
Labradorite Jewelry, Ready for the Spotlight
Bloom Jewelry’s new Labradorite Collection was inspired by our desire to help share as much light as possible within a day-to-day landscape that often makes that challenging. (Our hopeful and inclusive Over the Rainbow Collection was inspired by similar goals!).
Ready to see the light? See all of our gorgeous pieces of Labradorite jewelry here, or check out a few of our favorites below.
A shimmering pair of Labradorite Tear Drop Earrings, featuring Bloom’s signature 14K Gold Filled hand wrapping, can be your gentle but ever-ready reminder of your inner power. Your innermost fire and sparkle is always there, if only you remember to look for it!
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Labradorite Tear Drop Earrings$106.00
Want more light-filled drama from your Labradorite earrings? Try our Labradorite Bridge Halo Hoops, featuring a unique floating hand wrapped Labradorite stone across a string of smaller Labradorite stones on two-inch 14K Gold Filled or Sterling Silver hoops.
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Labradorite Bridge Hoops$163.00
Ready to ignite your inner light to maximum advantage? While we’ve got several incredible Labradorite necklaces on offer in our new collection, our Labradorite Rolo & Antique Long Necklace is a special stunner. The 34” long necklace, which features truly impressive cuts of gold-edged Labradorite, can be worn long or doubled up.
Alternatively, feeling like you want your Labradorite necklace to let you keep your light slightly more to yourself? We totally understand that, too, and our Labradorite Filigree Layering Necklace more than fits the bill. The Labradorite stones are hand wrapped to our customer-favorite 14K Gold Filled filigree chain, which can be worn from 17” to 18”. Wear it alone, or layer it like a master!
Feeling inspired by Labradorite to find a one-of-a-kind way to showcase your inner light, or to help inspire a family member or friend to find and embrace theirs? We create custom pieces, and would be thrilled to help you create your vision. Send us a message to learn more.