What Causes Labradorite’s Flash?

Labradorescence is not a coating, dye or colour painted onto the surface. It is an optical effect created when light interacts with extremely fine internal structures within the feldspar.

The stone contains microscopic layered structures known as lamellae. As light enters the stone and interacts with these layers, selected wavelengths of light are reflected back to the viewer. This creates the shifting flashes that become visible as the stone, viewer or light source changes position.

The Gemological Institute of America describes labradorescence as broad flashes of colour caused by the internal structure of labradorite. Blue and green are common, but yellow, gold, orange, red and violet can also occur. GIA’s guide to phenomenal gemstones

This is also why a piece of labradorite can look bright from one direction but appear grey when viewed from another.

How Can You Tell Labradorite and Spectrolite Apart?

There are several visual clues, but none can independently prove that a stone is Finnish Spectrolite.

1. Look at the Body Colour

Standard labradorite is frequently grey, medium charcoal, greenish grey or pale grey. Some material can also be very dark.

Finnish Spectrolite generally has a darker base, often appearing deep charcoal or nearly black. This creates strong contrast between the body of the stone and its coloured flash.

A dark base alone does not prove that a piece is Spectrolite, because labradorite from other locations can also be dark.

2. Examine the Range of Colours

Many pieces of labradorite primarily display blue, blue-green or gold flash. Higher-grade pieces may show several colours, including purple, orange and pink.

Spectrolite is particularly known for displaying a wider spectrum of strongly saturated colours. A single piece may contain blue, green, yellow, orange, red and violet zones.

However, not every piece of Spectrolite displays every colour. Equally, colourful labradorite from outside Finland does not automatically become Spectrolite.

3. Look at the Colour Boundaries

Spectrolite can show strong, clearly separated colour zones with relatively sharp boundaries. One area may flash blue while the adjacent section displays gold, orange or violet.

Other labradorite may show softer transitions, larger areas of one dominant colour or more diffuse flashes.

This is a useful visual clue, but it is not a definitive origin test.

4. Move the Stone Beneath a Direct Light

Hold the stone beneath a lamp or near a bright window and slowly tilt it forwards, backwards and from side to side.

Observe:

• How easily the flash appears
• How much of the face displays colour
• Whether the colour is intense or faint
• How many colours are visible
• Whether the colour zones have sharp or diffuse boundaries
• Whether the flash remains attractive from several viewing angles

A photograph captures only one position. Viewing a video—or examining the piece in person—provides a much better idea of its true flash.

5. Ask About Its Origin

The most important distinction is geographical. If a seller describes a piece as Spectrolite, they should have reasonable evidence that the material originated in Finland.

Appearance alone cannot conclusively establish geographic origin. A dark piece with multicoloured flash may resemble Spectrolite but still come from another source.

Ask the seller:

• Was the material sourced from Finland?
• Was the origin supplied by a known wholesaler or lapidary?
• Is it being labelled as verified Finnish Spectrolite or simply “Spectrolite-style” labradorite?
• Can they explain why they have used the Spectrolite name?

Responsible labelling matters more than using an impressive trade name.

Is Spectrolite Better Than Labradorite?

Spectrolite is not automatically “better” for every collector.

High-quality Finnish Spectrolite is valued for its origin, dark body colour and intense spectrum of labradorescence. This can make it rarer and more expensive than commonly available labradorite.

However, ordinary labradorite can also be exceptional. Some pieces display:

• Bright electric-blue flash
• Purple, pink or orange tones
• Large areas of full-face flash
• Unusual patterns
• Attractive natural inclusions
• Strong colour from several viewing angles

Quality should therefore be judged piece by piece rather than by name alone.

A high-quality labradorite carving with strong, well-positioned flash may be more visually appealing than a lower-grade piece of Spectrolite. Personal preference also matters: some collectors prefer a concentrated blue flash, while others look for a complete rainbow of colours.

What Determines Labradorite’s Quality and Value?

When I personally hand-pick labradorite for PureZen Minerals, I consider more than the trade name. Important features include:

Flash Coverage

How much of the polished face becomes illuminated when the piece is moved? Larger areas of flash are often desirable, particularly on spheres, palm stones and statement carvings.

Colour Intensity

Bright, saturated colour normally creates a stronger visual effect than a faint or cloudy flash.

Colour Range

Unusual colours such as purple, pink, orange and red can attract collectors, although an intense blue piece can be equally beautiful.

Positioning

The orientation of the material is especially important in carvings. Well-positioned flash can emphasise the eyes, wings, facial features or other details of a carving.

Viewing Angle

Some pieces display colour only at one precise angle, while others flash more easily as they are moved. Neither is necessarily defective, but customers should be shown an accurate representation.

Polish and Finish

A good polish helps reveal the optical effect. Check for excessive scratches, chips, poorly finished edges or distracting surface marks.

Natural Structure

Labradorite may contain internal lines, cleavage features, inclusions and natural surface characteristics. These do not automatically mean the stone is poor quality, but they should be assessed honestly and disclosed where relevant.

Common Labradorite and Spectrolite Labelling Mistakes

Calling Every Colourful Labradorite “Spectrolite”

Multicoloured labradorite is not automatically Spectrolite. The Spectrolite name is associated with Finnish material, not simply any labradorite showing several colours.

Assuming Blue Flash Means Ordinary Labradorite

Spectrolite can display blue, and labradorite from other locations can display a complete rainbow. Colour is not a reliable origin test by itself.

Judging a Piece from One Photograph

Labradorescence depends on viewing angle and lighting. One carefully positioned photograph may show the brightest possible flash without demonstrating how the stone looks during normal handling.

Whenever possible, view several photographs or a video before purchasing.

Confusing Labradorescence with Surface Colour

The flash comes from within the stone. When the angle changes, the colour may disappear. This is normal and is part of labradorite’s natural optical effect.

How to Care for Labradorite and Spectrolite

Because Spectrolite is labradorite, both require the same general care.

• Handle polished pieces carefully and avoid dropping them.
• Keep them away from hard impacts and abrasive surfaces.
• Clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
• Dry the piece after cleaning.
• Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning products.
• Do not use steam or ultrasonic cleaning equipment.
• Store jewellery separately to reduce scratching and impact.

Feldspar minerals have distinct cleavage directions, meaning they can split along structural planes if struck. Towers, carvings and jewellery should therefore be handled with care.