How to tell if labradorite is real
This page lists clear, practical checks to help you tell whether a labradorite gemstone is real. Follow visual and non-destructive steps first, inspect with a loupe, and know when to seek a professional opinion.
Quick facts
- Hardness
- 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale
- Family
- feldspar
What labradorite looks like
Labradorite is a labradorescent gemstone that shows flashes of blue, green, yellow or orange when you tilt it in light. It is a feldspar and typically ranges from translucent to opaque. Real labradorite often displays layered iridescence caused by thin internal layers; these layers give the characteristic flash rather than a surface coating.
Quick visual checks you can do at home
Hold the stone under a bright, diffuse light and slowly rotate it. Look for a directional flash of color (labradorescence) that appears and disappears as you change the angle. Inspect the edges and surface: natural labradorite commonly shows irregular fractures or cleavage planes and fine growth lines, not perfectly smooth blown-glass surfaces. Use a magnifier to check for small gas bubbles or curved flow lines, which indicate glass or man-made material.
Inspect with a loupe or microscope
Under 10x to 30x magnification you can see diagnostic features: lamellar (plate-like) internal structures, twinning lines, and cleavage consistent with feldspar. Look for natural inclusions and uneven growth patterns. Bubbles, rounded gas cavities, or perfectly regular tiny spheres are signs of glass or synthetic substitutes. Note the internal layering that produces the flash — that layering is a reliable sign of real labradorite.
Non-destructive tests and what they tell you
Check heft — labradorite feels denser than plastic or resin but lighter than many heavy gem materials. Test thermal behavior by touch: plastic or resin warm quickly near your skin; natural stone stays cool longer. Avoid destructive scratch tests; instead remember that labradorite has a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, so it resists scratches from many household materials but will be scratched by harder minerals. If you must compare hardness, avoid damaging the stone and prefer professional testing.
Common fakes and how to spot them
Glass imitations: look for curved flow lines, gas bubbles, and very smooth rounded edges. Plastic or resin: light weight, warm touch, and seam or mold marks. Coated stones and doublets: examine the girdle and look for glue lines or abrupt color changes at edges. Synthetic iridescent materials: they may show a uniform, repeating pattern under magnification rather than the irregular lamellar structure of natural labradorite.
When to get a professional opinion
If the stone’s identity matters for resale, repair, or insurance, get a gemologist’s report. A gem lab can perform refractive index, specific gravity, and advanced optical tests without guessing. For everyday identification help, consider tools that guide visual checks and magnified inspection results; one such resource is Jewelry Identifier.
Common questions
- Does every labradorite show blue flash?
- No. Labradorescence can appear in blue, green, yellow or orange; some pieces show multiple colors and others show only muted flashes depending on the angle and quality of the specimen.
- Can a hardness test confirm authenticity?
- A hardness test alone won’t confirm authenticity because many materials overlap hardness ranges. Labradorite’s hardness is 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, which helps rule out very soft imitations, but microscopic structure, lamellar layering, and the nature of the iridescent flash are more reliable non-destructive indicators.
- Is it safe to clean labradorite at home?
- Yes. Use mild soap, warm water, and a soft brush or cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and harsh acids. Because labradorite is a feldspar with cleavage, avoid knocks and sharp blows that could cause chips or breaks.