Is Labradorite hard enough for everyday rings?

Not ideally. At a Mohs hardness of 6–6.5, Labradorite is soft enough to scratch with everyday wear, so it is better suited to earrings, pendants, or occasional-wear rings with protective settings.

How can I tell Labradorite from spectrolite (gem variety of same)?

Labradorite and spectrolite (gem variety of same) can look alike to the naked eye, but they differ in measurable properties — refractive index (1.559–1.573 for Labradorite), specific gravity (2.68–2.72), and hardness (Mohs 6–6.5). A gemologist confirms the distinction with a refractometer and loupe; the Jewelry Identifier app gives a fast first read from a photo.

* feldspar (plagioclase) gemstone

Labradorite: identification, value, and how to spot a fake

Plagioclase feldspar with iridescent 'labradorescence' (light interference from lamellar structure). Finnish 'spectrolite' is a particularly vivid variety. Discovered Labrador, Canada, 1770.

Published May 30, 2026

Quick facts

Mineral family: feldspar (plagioclase)
Chemical formula: (Ca,Na)(Al,Si)4O8
Mohs hardness: 6–6.5
Refractive index: 1.559–1.573
Specific gravity: 2.68–2.72
Crystal system: triclinic
Luster: vitreous, pearly

Colors

Labradorite is found in dark gray base with flash blue, gold, green, orange (labradorescence). The body color, its saturation, and how evenly it spreads through the stone are among the strongest drivers of value.

How to tell real from imitation

No single test settles it, but a few grounded checks quickly narrow things down for Labradorite. Hardness, brilliance, and the list of stones it is commonly confused with all give you something concrete to look for.

Scratch resistance: genuine Labradorite sits at Mohs 6–6.5, so it should resist scratching from softer materials — a stone that mars far too easily is suspect.
Brilliance & luster: Labradorite shows a vitreous, pearly luster and a refractive index of 1.559–1.573; imitations often look glassier or flatter under the same light.
Density: a real Labradorite has a specific gravity near 2.68–2.72, so it feels heavier or lighter in the hand than many look-alikes of the same size.
Commonly imitated by: spectrolite (gem variety of same), andesine (treated). If a deal looks too good, suspect one of these substitutes first.
Fast first read: photograph the stone in the Jewelry Identifier app to estimate the gemstone and its likely value range, then confirm anything important with a gemological lab.

Common treatments

none typically

Treatments are routine for many Labradorite stones, but they materially affect value and should always be disclosed — an untreated, lab-certified stone commands a clear premium over a treated one.

What to know about Labradorite

Plagioclase feldspar with iridescent 'labradorescence' (light interference from lamellar structure). Finnish 'spectrolite' is a particularly vivid variety. Discovered Labrador, Canada, 1770.

Sources

Wikidata Q47104

* Frequently asked

FAQ

Q. Is Labradorite hard enough for everyday rings?: A. Not ideally. At a Mohs hardness of 6–6.5, Labradorite is soft enough to scratch with everyday wear, so it is better suited to earrings, pendants, or occasional-wear rings with protective settings.
Q. How can I tell Labradorite from spectrolite (gem variety of same)?: A. Labradorite and spectrolite (gem variety of same) can look alike to the naked eye, but they differ in measurable properties — refractive index (1.559–1.573 for Labradorite), specific gravity (2.68–2.72), and hardness (Mohs 6–6.5). A gemologist confirms the distinction with a refractometer and loupe; the Jewelry Identifier app gives a fast first read from a photo.

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