When I look at rocks and crystals, I always see more than their pretty colors and neat textures. I see clues about how it was made, its history and what it can tell me about where it came from and what makes it special.
I like to see rocks and minerals for the science the behind them, their alchemy and what folklore I can dig up.
Here's what I know about Labradorite.
The Science
Labradorite is a type of plagioclase feldspar (meaning there is a lot of calcium and sodium in it as well as aluminum and silica). The eye-catching iridescence is due to microscopic lamellae (alternating bands of different mineral compositions) that form from the slow cooling of igneous material deep within the earth. How cool! It formed underneath the Earth's surface from magma.
The Alchemy
This mineral is known for Perseverance! Knowing that it endured the slow cooling of
molten material beneath the Earth's crust makes perfect sense that various cultures around the world have assigned this mineral as one to assist with perseverance.
Additionally it is said that it helps with being able to see the truth through the muck. Also excellent for building confidence in your own intuition.
Folklore
Labradorite...as in Labrador Canada where a lot of this material is found, live many Inuit First Nation people. They believe that the 'flash' that you see in the mineral are the Northern Lights trapped. They believe a warrior struck the stone with his spear to free most of the lights into the sky, but the rest remains inside the stone forever.
So put some in your pocket knowing you have some ancient trapped Northern Lights that have endured the slow cooling of magma. If that little mineral can do it - so can you!
