The ancient Inuits of Canada tell of a warrior discovering a rock along the coast of present-day Labrador. Inside this rock, the lights sparkled and danced. Wishing to free them, the warrior struck the rock with his spear. The lights that were freed formed the great Northern Lights. The rest stayed locked away in the stone we now know as Labradorite.
The rich play of iridescent colors in Labradorite is actually caused by diffraction of light through the crystalline layers of the rock. Despite its typical base color of blue or gray, Labradorite can shine with a broad spectrum of colors ranging from blue and green to oranges, purples, and even white. It’s such a unique effect that it has been given its own name, “labradorescence.” Since its modern-day discovery in 1770, artisans have tumbled the stone smooth and used it to create jewelry, sculptural works, and even tiles and countertops.
As much as it has been used in decorative objects for its beauty, ancient shamans, healers, and diviners have used this “Stone of Magic” to facilitate communication between the spiritual and physical worlds, to reach out to ancestors, and to heal and purify. It is also associated with synchronicity and serendipity. One shouldn’t be surprised to discover that happy coincidences occur more often in the presence of labradorite, which could help light the way to one’s true path.