Why is the stone called Labradorite?
This is the name given to the gemstone, which was first found on St. Paul Island (North America) near the Labrador Peninsula back in 1770, and in 1775 Europe became acquainted with the labradorite mineral. Feldspar, not very attractive at first glance, when in the skillful hands of jewelers, in jewelry amazes with its unique fairy-tale beauty. The cut makes it play in the sun’s rays, delighting the eye with a mesmerizing radiance. Due to the different combinations of proportions of the components, Labradorite has a wide range of colors and shades. Admiring the bright, beautiful flashes and tints of the stone, poets often compared it with the polar lights, the plumage of a peacock, and the wings of multi-colored tropical butterflies. For its rainbow color, which reproduces all the colors of the spectrum, in Germany and Finland the labradorite mineral was called spectrolite. When cutting for jewelry, the natural properties of Labradorite must be taken into account. The thing is that the fantastic play of colors is characteristic only of those stone crystals that have a natural cut or break in a certain direction. By turning the Labrador in your hands, you can observe how, depending on the angle of its location to the light, some of its eyes seem to flash brightly, while others go out. It is not surprising that jewelry made from Labradorite has gained particular popularity among fashionistas in Paris and London in ancient times. It was considered prestigious to own boxes, signets, snuff boxes, clasps, rings, brooches, and earrings made of Labradorite (or with it). Labradorite with a sapphire tint was considered the most valuable (individual labradorite crystals are rarely found in rocks). Additionally, jewelry with Labradorite was decorated with small diamonds, which further increased their value. However, even today it is unlikely that any of the ladies will refuse to put a ring with this stone on a miniature finger or decorate an exquisite evening dress with a brooch with a Labradorite, which with its indescribable shimmer will ensure a sure-fire success for its owner with her gentlemen. For hundreds of years, the secret of iridescence (overflow) could not be revealed, but today it has been proven that the iridescent coloring of Labradorite appears due to the special lamellar structure of the eyes and their chemical composition. Like malachite and rhodonite in Russia or emerald in Colombia, labradorite has become the national stone of Ukraine and is called the country’s stone flower. The world’s richest deposits of labradorite were discovered in Ukraine in 1835, on the territory of the Kyiv and Volyn provinces. It is curious that in almost every corner of the planet there are deposits of some kind of gems. During the times of Kievan Rus, churches were decorated with labradorite. Pieces of this “peacock stone” or “rainbow stone” can be seen in the Tithe Church of Kyiv (in the mosaic of the altar), in the Church of the Ascension in St. Petersburg, and not only. It was Labradorite that was used to make the tomb of Mstislav Vladimirovich (the Grand Duke of Kyiv). Large quantities of this mineral were exported to different countries of the world. To this day, interest in Labradorite as a jewelry and finishing material has not disappeared, and the deposits have not dried up, but the price for it is not affordable for everyone. Only a person with a truly royal fortune can afford the gem (in the form of a façade or fireplace cladding), and products made from it look royal. However, in major cities around the world it is used to decorate subways, monumental buildings and monuments. High-quality souvenirs are made from Labrador eyes. Since ancient times, the peacock stone has been credited with magical powers; it was considered a talisman for healers and sorcerers. To this day, the gem is used as an amulet by many creative individuals. Magicians recommend having some kind of labradorite figurine in your home, which, in their opinion, is capable of processing all negative energy for the benefit of the inhabitants of the home. Traditional healers believe that iris can cure almost any disease. They especially recommend wearing jewelry with Labradorite to people who often experience stress and suffer from insomnia, and since the gem has the ability to strengthen the body as a whole, they recommend it to absolutely everyone. There is an opinion that it helps remove kidney stones, relieves joint pain, and can even cure impotence and infertility. On this score, everyone has their own opinions and beliefs, however, hardly anyone will argue with the fact that the Labrador has extraordinary and unique beauty. In addition, thanks to the huge assortment of shades, it will not be difficult to choose a ring or earrings with Labradorite to match any outfit, and not a single representative of the fairer sex will refuse to accept such a thing as a gift from a loved one (what can you do, an insatiable craving for beauty is a female weakness). Publication Date: 16.01.2012 Labradorite Madagascar is an amazing semi-precious stone that is one of the most popular among collectors and designers. It has a unique play of colors that can change with changing lighting. The history of the Labradorite Madagascar stone is the story of its gradual acquisition of popularity in the world. Today it is one of the most recognizable and sought-after stones in jewelry and interior design. Labrador Madagascar was discovered in the 1940s in one of the quarries of Madagascar. Its name comes from the Labrador deposit located in Canada, where the first stone of this species was found in the 1770s. In Madagascar, however, Labradorite was only found at the end of the 20th century. The first examples of Labradorite from Madagascar were quite modest, but over time the stone began to gain more and more popularity. In the 1980s, Labrador Madagascar began to be used in jewelry and interior design. Today Labrador Madagascar is popular throughout the world and is used to create jewelry, cutlery, tiles and mosaics.
Varieties of Labradorite stone Madagascar
- Blue labradorite has a bright blue or bluish-green hue, which is due to the presence of calcium in the crystal lattice.
- Gray labradorite has a gray or silver color with a shine that is due to the internal structure of the crystal.
- Brown labradorite has a dark brown or reddish-brown hue that may contain traces of iron or magnesium.
- Blue labradorite has a blue or bluish color with a metallic sheen and may contain titanium impurities.
- Black labradorite is dark gray or black in color and may contain traces of iron, magnesium or silicon.
Each variety of Madagascar Labrador has its own unique properties and qualities.
Where is labradorite mined?
Madagascar Labradorite is a gemstone mined on the island of Madagascar of the same name. The extraction of this stone is an important part of the island’s economy and is in demand on the international market due to its beauty and unique properties.
In addition, Labradorite is mined in various countries around the world, including Canada, Finland, Norway, Mexico, Australia and Madagascar. Labradorite Madagascar stone in particular is mined from several locations on the island, where it is found primarily in round or oval cobblestones, as well as crystalline formations.
One of the most famous Labradorite mining sites in Madagascar is a quarry in the north of the island, near the town of Ambodifotatra. In this area, Labradorite stone is quarried by hand from deep mines using picks and shovels. Other places where Labradorite stone is mined in Madagascar include quarries on the east coast of the island, as well as around the town of Mananara.
Once mined, labradorite goes through a series of processing steps to bring it to the desired shape and quality. First, the stones are taken into pieces, then polished to give them shine and smoothness, and cut into the desired shape.
Physical and chemical properties
Labradorite Madagascar stone is a precious mineral that has unusual properties and is an object of interest for many amateurs and professionals of stone cutting art.
Physical properties of Labradorite: It has a relatively high density in the range of 2,65-2,75 g/cm³ and a hardness of 6-6,5 on the Mohs scale. It has a vitreous luster that can be polished to create a brighter, shinier appearance. Additionally, this stone can come in a variety of shades, including white, grey, brown, green, yellow and orange.
Chemical properties: Labradorite Madagascar belongs to the group of plagioclase minerals, which are the main components of many granites and gneisses. It is composed primarily of calcium and sodium silicate, and also contains small amounts of potassium, aluminum and iron. This makes it chemically stable and resistant to long-term environmental exposure.
Medicinal properties
Labradorite Madagascar is a semi-precious stone that is considered a powerful talisman with healing properties. It has a unique composition that promotes the physical and mental well-being of a person.
One of the most famous healing effects of Labradorite Madagascar stone is its ability to eliminate stress and anxiety. It helps calm irritability and improve mood, promotes harmony and peace within a person. In addition, the stone can improve memory and concentration, increase creativity and intuition.
One of the main features of Labrador Madagascar is its ability to increase a person’s vital energy and increase their resistance to stress. The stone also has antibacterial properties, helps fight infections and strengthens the immune system.
You can wear the Labradorite Madagascar stone in the form of jewelry, for example, a ring, bracelet or pendant.
Magical properties
The Labradorite Madagascar stone, also known as Labradorite, is not only a valuable mineral, but also a powerful tool for practicing magicians and esotericists. It is believed to have magical properties that can help achieve various goals.
One of the main magical properties of the Labradorite stone is its ability to enhance intuition and clairvoyance. It is considered a powerful channel for receiving information from the world of spirits and helps its owner develop his magical abilities.
Labradorite stone is also considered a protective stone. It helps protect its owner from negative environmental influences, such as evil eyes, negative energy and damage. It can also be used for protection during meditation or other magical practices.
Labradorite stone is also considered a powerful stone for attracting love and improving relationships. The stone also helps strengthen the spiritual connection between partners.
Labradorite stone can also be used to achieve goals and success. It helps its owner make the right decisions, giving clarity and confidence in his actions. The stone also helps to attract good luck and favorable circumstances into life.
Applications
Labradorite Madagascar is a unique stone that can be used in a variety of applications, from construction to jewelry. Its physical and chemical properties make it a stable and reliable material for a variety of projects.
- Labradorite Madagascar stone is used in jewelry to create jewelry. It often acts as a focal point in jewelry or complements a design. Most Labradorite jewelry is made in the form of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings.
- Labradorite also finds use in interior design. It is used to create decorative items such as figurines, vases, bowls and even furniture. It is also used to make beautiful window sills, walls, floors, sinks and other interior details. Labradorite gives the interior elegance and sophistication, and also adds some mystery thanks to its unusual play of colors.
- The stone is also of interest to collectors. Its variety of color shades and unusual shine make it very attractive to those who are interested in collecting minerals. In addition, there are collectible pieces that have a particularly high value for collectors.
Labrador Madagascar in the interior
Labradorite Madagascar is a stone that not only looks great in jewelry, but can also be used in the interior as a decorative element.
Labrador Madagascar can be used in the interior in various forms: as tiles, mosaics, countertops, sinks, window sills, sculptures and even as a lighting element. Stone combines perfectly with other materials such as wood, glass, metal, which allows you to create original and unique interiors.
The finishing of the Madagascar Labrador must be carefully considered to preserve its natural beauty and protect it from possible damage. As a rule, the surface of the stone is treated with special compounds to provide additional strength and resistance to moisture and dirt.
Labrador Madagascar tiles can be polished, matte or honed. Polished tiles have a smooth surface and the most vibrant play of colors, while matte tiles have a more muted shade and less pronounced play of colors. Sanded tiles, on the other hand, have a rougher surface and a more pronounced texture, making them ideal for use on floors or walls.
Labradorite countertops are ideal for kitchens or bathrooms as they are highly resistant to water and stains. The sculptures and lighting elements from Labrador Madagascar are true works of art. They can be used as decorative elements in the living room, bedroom or office. Original lamps and candlesticks from Labrador Madagascar will create a cozy and warm atmosphere in the room.
When choosing a Madagascar Labrador for your interior, you need to take into account the peculiarities of its play of colors. The stone can have different shades: from blue to green and brown. Some pieces may have inclusions of other minerals or brighter spots that make it more unique and exclusive.