Scientific

Labradorite is a plagioclase feldspar with slightly more calcium than sodium in the chemical lattice.  It falls between orthoclase (sodium end member) and anorthite (calcium end member) of the plagioclase series where calcium and sodium atoms substitute for each other in chemical lattice.  Its type deposit is Paul Island, Labrador, Canada. It has also been reported in Norway, Finland, and various other locations worldwide, with notable distributions in Madagascar, China, Australia, Slovakia, and the USA. Labradorite occurs in mafic igneous rocks and is the feldspar variety most common in basalt and gabbro.  These uncommon anorthosite bodies are composed almost entirely of labradorite.  The orthoclase end member due to some slight variations is also known as amazonite and moonstone, among other names

Uses

The primary use of labradorite is as a decorative stone.  It can be seen in large slabs of architectural stone in building hallways and entrances, and as smaller pieces used for decoration.  When crystals are broken along cleavage planes, they exhibit iridescence; however, for the best iridescence to be seen the stone must be properly oriented and be polished. 

Meaning

Lore of the Inuit peoples claim Labradorite fell from the frozen fire of the Aurora Borealis, an ordinary stone that transforms to the extraordinary, shimmering in a mystical light that separates the waking world from unseen realms. It is, in every sense, a Stone of Magic, a crystal of shamans, diviners, healers, and all who travel and embrace the universe seeking knowledge and guidance. For self-discovery, it is excellent for awakening one's own awareness of inner spirit, intuition and psychic abilities.

Labradorite is also the most powerful protector of the mineral kingdom, creating a shielding force throughout the aura and strengthening natural energies from within. It protects against the negativity and misfortunes of this world and provides safe exploration into alternate levels of consciousness and in facilitating visionary experiences from the past or the future.