Few stones stop people in their tracks the way labradorite does. One moment it looks like a dark, unremarkable grey. Tilt it slightly, and it erupts in electric blue, teal, gold, and violet — a phenomenon gemologists call labradorescence. It's one of nature's most theatrical effects, and jewelers around the world can't get enough of it.
Where Does Labradorite Come From?
Labradorite was first discovered in Labrador, Canada in the 1770s — hence the name. Today, major deposits are found in Madagascar, Finland, Russia, and India. Each origin produces slightly different colour play; Madagascan stones tend toward deep blues and greens, while Finnish labradorite (sometimes called Spectrolite) can show the full rainbow spectrum.
Why Jewelers Love It
Labradorite is remarkably versatile. It pairs beautifully with gold tones, bringing out its warm flashes, and equally well with silver, which highlights the cooler blues. It works in everything from minimalist pendants to elaborate statement necklaces. It photographs exceptionally well — important for any maker selling online.
Working With Labradorite Beads
Because labradorite ranges from 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, it's durable enough for most jewelry applications but should be protected from hard knocks. Use a knotted silk thread or soft wire for stringing to prevent the beads from rubbing against each other. The drill holes should be inspected carefully — a chip at the hole will only grow over time.
Our Labradorite Collection
At Best In Beads, our labradorite strands are personally selected at gem fairs across India and Madagascar. We hold each strand under multiple light sources to assess the labradorescence before it makes the cut. When you buy from us, you're getting a strand that earned its place.
Browse our current labradorite inventory — strands sell out fast, especially around the holiday season.