Labradorite is a favorite stone at one of my favorite jewelry designers, adorn + cherish. I have a pair of their wonderful sparrow charm and labradorite earrings. Beyond being a popular component in jewelry-making, this mysterious and beautiful stone has an interesting history and is known for its magical properties.

The name labradorite comes from the province of Labrador in Canada, whose coast is one of the primary places from which labradorite is mined. A member of the feldspar family, labradorite is often confused with opal. Most commonly found in varying shades of grey, black and blue, rarer forms of labradorite can also be green, white, pale orange, and even pink.

It is commonly believed that labradorite was "discovered" by missionaries in 1770 and some of the first stones were presented to the British Museum in 1777. However, there is evidence to suggest that labradorite was used by Algonkian tribes in the state of Maine dating back to the year 1000, although for what purpose it is difficult to know. According to an Eskimo legend, the Northern Lights were once imprisoned in the rocks along the coast of Labrador, and then a wandering Eskimo warrior found them and freed most of the lights with a mighty blow of his spear. Some of the lights were still trapped within the stone however, and thus we have today the beautiful mineral known as labradorite.

Labradorite does indeed capture light. When light shines into the stone it is literally trapped among the crystal layers within, reflecting from one layer to the next. When the light finally exits the stone, its wave length has slowed considerably. The thickness of the crystal layers within a particular piece of labradorite and the speed of the wave of light entering it determine what colors you will see. The most familiar color is blue. Rarer specimens will reflect red, gold, green or violet. Labradorescence is the term jewelers and geologists have given this amazing phenomenon.

Given the stone's ability to capture and transform light, it is easy to see how labradorite became imbued with magical abilities and associated with the power to heal, transform and illuminate. Humans quickly adopted it as a power stone, recognizing in its dual nature between dark and light a useful tool. Associated with both Moon and Sun energies, this balance can help us bring our physical and spiritual bodies into alignment with the natural cycles of the Universe.

Labradorite is thought to stimulate the imagination, release inhibitions, build self-confidence and aid in communication with spirits. It is an excellent gem for journeys or meditation, allowing us to calmly move through various dimensions of being. Labradorite also is said to give strength and enhanced intuition when one is experiencing times of change, helping to eliminate illusions and lighting a clear path to our goals.

If you deal with a stressful job, labradorite can help replenish your physical and emotional stamina. Its calming energies are wonderful for lowering blood pressure. Other healing energies from labradorite include relief from cold symptoms, rheumatism and gout. It can bring your body into a healthy regular cycle, aiding digestion and elimination, and it can bring clarity to patients suffering from brain disorders.

Labradorite is associated with the sacral chakra, the zodiac signs of Leo, Sagittarius and Scorpio, and the planets Neptune, Pluto and Uranus. Using labradorite can help you tap into their energies.

To utilize labradorite's powerful properties you can wear jewelry made from the gemstones, carry a piece of the stone in your pocket or a charm bag, place it on an altar or special place in your home, or use it in a ritual or spell.

Crystal Gemstone Spell: Labradorite

Crystal gemstones and other rocks were important tutors and tools of ancient shamans - the first healers and magical practitioners. Because they store information indefinitely, Earth's memories and secrets may be accessed through stones. Specific gemstones are used to magically enhance spells and enable us to discover and activate our own optimum power.

Labradorite repairs, cleanses and strengthens the aura. It also encourages perseverance and determination. Sleep with a labradorite under your pillow.

If you use any stone regularly for spells or other work, maintain a regular cleansing schedule for the crystal as well. To cleanse any stone of magical energy, put it in a bowl of water and leave it overnight in the moonlight.

Posted by Angela-Eloise at 7:48 PM