Gray and understated at first glance, labradorite suddenly lights up when it moves: flashes of blue, green, sometimes gold, like a tiny aurora borealis at the base of your neck. That glint is often what wins our customers over, even before they know anything about labradorite meaning. In this article, we tell you where this stone comes from, what it symbolizes and how to wear it every day. To discover other stones, also read our guide to the meaning of natural stones.
Labradorite stone: where does it come from?
Labradorite owes its name to the Labrador Peninsula in Canada, where missionaries described it in the late 18th century. It is also found in Madagascar, Finland and India.
It is a feldspar, a very widespread family of minerals. What makes it unique is labradorescence: light reflects off thin layers inside the stone and reveals colored flashes depending on the angle. Turn your pendant toward the window, and the stone changes its face.
An Inuit legend even tells of an aurora borealis trapped in the rocks of the coast, until a warrior freed it with a blow of his spear. The flashes that failed to escape are said to have stayed in labradorite.
Labradorite meaning and symbolism
In tradition, labradorite is associated with three big ideas:
- Intuition: it is said to help you listen to your inner voice and trust your feelings.
- Protection: it is nicknamed the "healers' stone", as it is said to protect very sensitive people who easily absorb other people's emotions.
- Mystery and transformation: like its hidden flashes, it symbolizes what is revealed over time, new beginnings and inner change.
That is why it is part of our selection of protection stones, alongside tiger's eye and black onyx.
Labradorite properties in crystal healing
The properties associated with stones come from crystal healing traditions. They do not replace medical advice or treatment.
A stone for sensitive people
This is probably the best-known labradorite property. It is recommended for empathetic people who come out of an emotionally charged day exhausted: those working in care, teaching or customer relations. It is said to act as a filter, a small shield that helps you keep your distance from what does not belong to you.
A stone of intuition and creativity
Tradition links it to the third eye chakra, the chakra of intuition. Many creative women love wearing it when starting a project or facing a decision. It invites you to slow down and listen to what you really feel.
A stone to get through change
A new job, a move, a breakup, a birth: labradorite is also seen as a supportive stone during periods of transition. Its flashes, which appear and then disappear, are a reminder that things change, and that this is normal.
Light or dark labradorite: which one to choose?
Not all labradorites look alike, and that is part of their charm. Each stone is unique, with its own shades and flashes.
- Light labradorite: a soft, almost milky gray with bluish flashes. It looks very luminous on a gold chain and is easy to wear every day.
- Dark labradorite: a deeper charcoal gray, where blue and green flashes stand out with great intensity. It has a more mysterious side, perfect for the evening.
In a gold setting, labradorite looks chic and warm. In silver-tone, it becomes fresher, more mineral. Both work beautifully: it all depends on your other jewelry.
How to wear labradorite every day
As a necklace, close to your heart
Tradition recommends wearing your stone against your skin. A necklace is the simplest way to do it. Our Lydie interchangeable necklace comes with a light labradorite, on a gold or silver-tone chain, fine or chunky. And since the stone is detachable, you can swap it for another depending on your mood.
As a Y necklace, for a neckline
If you love necklaces that fall a little lower, the 3-in-1 Solina necklace can be worn as a Y necklace with a labradorite. It beautifully dresses a V-neck or an open shirt, and turns into a choker whenever you like.
As a teardrop pendant
For a bolder stone, our large teardrop natural stone pendants come in dark labradorite. At 3 x 4 cm (1.2 x 1.6 in), it is a true statement piece that gives the flashes plenty of room.
Pairing labradorite with other stones
Labradorite gets along well with soft, luminous stones. A few pairings we love in the boutique:
- Labradorite and mother-of-pearl: a pairing full of shimmer, very elegant.
- Labradorite and amethyst: intuition and calm, for busy times.
- Labradorite and black onyx: a very protective duo according to tradition, and very graphic.
With an interchangeable necklace, you don't have to choose once and for all: just add interchangeable stones sold individually and switch depending on the day.
How to care for and cleanse labradorite
Labradorite is a fairly durable stone, but it is still softer than quartz. A few simple habits are enough:
- Wipe it with a soft cloth, slightly damp if needed, then dry it.
- Avoid putting perfume, lotion and household products directly on the stone.
- Take your jewelry off before the pool or the beach: chlorine and salt are hard on natural stones.
- Store it separately in its pouch to avoid scratches.
As for the setting, no worries: our chains are made of 18k gold-plated or silver-tone stainless steel, they are water resistant and do not tarnish. More tips in our article on stainless steel jewelry.
In crystal healing, it is also said that you should cleanse your labradorite from time to time, for example by placing it on a quartz geode for a few hours, then recharging it in the moonlight. Direct sunlight is best avoided.
Frequently asked questions about labradorite
What are the properties of labradorite?
According to crystal healing, labradorite is above all a protection stone for sensitive people, a stone of intuition and a stone that supports change. These are traditions, to be taken as a lovely meaning given to your jewelry.
Who can wear labradorite?
Everyone. There is no rule forbidding it to any zodiac sign or age. It is often recommended for very empathetic people, but the most important thing is to choose a stone you like.
How can you tell if labradorite is real?
Look at its flashes: real labradorite is gray at rest, and its colored flashes only appear at certain angles. It also has small inclusions and irregular shades. A perfectly uniform stone that shines the same way from every side should make you suspicious.
Can you wear labradorite every day?
Yes, as long as you take it off for the shower, sports and the beach, and store it separately. With these precautions, it keeps its flashes for a very long time.
Want to see labradorite's flashes for real? Discover our natural stone jewelry collection, or come and design your necklace in our Le Marais boutique at 3 rue Madame de Sévigné (Saint-Paul metro), open daily from 11 am to 8 pm. We will let you try both light and dark labradorite, and you can choose the one that speaks to you.
