Labradorite Beads

Northern Treasure

This unique gemstone is named after the area where it was first discovered. Labradorite was first found by Europeans in the Labrador area of eastern Canada in 1770, although the Inuit people of northern Canada have knew about the stone for years previous. They have a legend that labradorite beads are pieces of the Northern Lights that froze and fell to Earth. This was a very popular stone in the 18th and 19th centuries. In modern times, additional deposits have been located in Scandinavia and Russia. A similar stone called spectrolite has only been found in Finland. Labradorite has a hardness rating of 6 to 6.5 on Moh’s Scale, making labradorite faceted beads sufficiently hard enough to endure everyday wear.

Labradorescence

The shimmering effect in labradorite faceted beads is caused when light waves are defracted, or thrown off course, by faults in the layers of feldspar inside the stone. This phenomenon is similar to the adularescence exhibited by opals. This flash of color is also called “shiller” and comes in shades of blue ranging from dark royal to azure as well as green, yellow, and coppery red. The shimmering layers of labradorite form under extreme temperatures and the mineral is usually found in igneous rocks such as basalt and gabbro.

Power Stone

Wearing labradorite beads channels and enhances psychic and intuitive powers, and also clarifies goals. This mysterious stone can help strengthen telepathy, clairvoyance, past-life recall, and make psychic readings clearer. Labradorite also dispels negativity and brings out the best in the wearer’s personality. It can help the wearer control self-destructive behavior and depression. Positioning labradorite beads around the office will make staff members more congenial and the workplace more pleasant. This powerful stone may aid people who are trying to avoid alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, and also helps those who heal through touch by making the hands more sensitive.

Modern Look

Labradorite faceted beads are perfect for giving jewelry a modern look. Pair labradorite with silver findings and mix with other dark, bold beads, like deep blue lapis lazuli, black onyx, or spinel. These beads would work with icy clear quartz and rainbow moonstone beads, too. Large focus beads of labradorite look beautiful in abstract silver pendant settings. This stone truly captures the dark mystery of the Aurora Borealis dancing in the arctic sky on a dark winter night.