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Labradorite
by Rhea Raghaven
This gemstone could fool any unassuming observer with its almost subtle and uninteresting first look. But on a slight hint of light the stone dazzles with an intoxicating play of colors called labradorescence that can be seen from certain directions and cause flashes of blue, violet and green and sometimes orange and yellow.
 Visibly a grey to black color is what one sees at first glance on this gemstone. And its similar appeal and look has also earned it the title of black moonstone, although the blue schillers in this gemstone are considered far more beautiful due to added intensity. Almost mysterious in appearance, the stone is known for its mystical powers of enhancing insight and vision and bringing about a sense of calm in chaos. Named after the Labrador Peninsula in Canada where this gem stone was originally found, Labradorite is also found in Newfoundland, Finland, and Russia. The best of these gemstones exhibit a spectrum of colors from blue all the way to gold although the most common colors are blue and green.
 Perhaps the easiest way to identify the gemstone is by labradorescence. Labradorescence is the vivid color display resulting from intergrowths inside the crystal. The resultant color display, due to the interplay of the layers inside in the gemstone, give rise to a color effect that gets activated with a ray of light that enters a layer and is refracted back and forth by deeper layers. And since the refracted ray is slowed by the extra travel through the layers and mixes with other rays the light ray coming out that has a different wavelength than when it went in.
The gemstone is usually polished as a cabochon and as mentioned its beauty lies in its schillers due to interference effects of light. The gemstone exhibits great durability and is excellent for everyday use. In addition to its mysterious beauty the stone also accelerates your desires and ambitions and helps you achieve your goals.
The price of the gemstone varies on account of the sheen produced. Although it’s modest hardness (6 - 6.5), heat sensitivity and cleavability result in this gem being slightly fragile. It is therefore necessary in order to preserve the beauty of the gemstone to be worn once set and also to be cleaned and washed with care. With required care the gemstone can last long extending its magical beauty and powers onto the wearer’s life. Imagine every moment of light on the gemstone resulting in a different yet spectacular displays of light and the many shifting patterns of colors that rival the most exotic of designs in the world. Earrings, pendants, rings made of the gemstone  would give the bearer a reason to smile and dance at the majestic play of light.
In terms of value in the market the Labradorite is quite a bargain as even the highest quality specimens are a fraction of the cost of comparably colored ammolites, precious opals or fire agates. The most valuable are those with the brightest and most uniform color flashes that display no "dead" areas. All in all he stone lights up your life and wardrobe with its mystical powers  and dazzle you with every ray of light.
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