Labradorite is a feldspar mineral prized for its stunning internal iridescence, a quality known as labradorescence. This unique optical effect transforms an otherwise dull gray stone into a shimmering canvas of color, making it a highly desirable material for jewelry and decorative pieces. Determining the value requires assessing several factors beyond simple size or weight, focusing instead on the stone’s inherent quality and refinement. This breakdown clarifies the specific criteria used to assess this mesmerizing gemstone’s worth.
The Defining Factor of Value: Labradorescence
The single most significant determinant of labradorite’s value is labradorescence, sometimes called the Schiller effect. This optical phenomenon is caused by light diffracting off microscopic, parallel layers within the plagioclase feldspar structure. The thickness and orientation of these layers determine the intensity and color of the resulting flash.
The value hierarchy begins with color saturation; a brighter, more vivid intensity commands a higher price than a dull or milky flash. Next is the coverage, which refers to the proportion of the stone that displays the flash when rotated under a light source. Stones that exhibit near-full-face coverage are significantly more valuable than those with only a small, localized area of color.
The final element is the color itself, as some hues are far rarer than others. Common flashes of blue and green typically form the base level of value. Prices rise considerably for less common colors like gold, orange, and teal, reflecting their scarcity. The highest prices are reserved for deep purples, pinks, and the rarest full-spectrum effect called Spectrolite. Spectrolite, a variety primarily sourced from Finland, displays the entire rainbow of colors.
Secondary Valuation Criteria
Once the quality of the labradorescence is established, several physical characteristics contribute to the stone’s final price. Size is a major factor, with larger specimens measured in carats for finished stones or by weight for rough material. Since large crystals are prone to internal fractures, large pieces that maintain a strong, uniform flash are significantly rarer and more valuable on a per-carat basis.
Clarity is assessed differently for labradorite than for transparent gemstones, as the stone is translucent to opaque. The presence of internal fractures, black mineral inclusions, or surface pitting can detract from the stone’s appearance and lower the price. However, the color flash itself depends on internal inclusions, meaning a perfectly “clean” or transparent stone will not display the desired effect.
The quality of the cut and shape also heavily influences the final valuation. Labradorite is almost exclusively cut into a cabochon—a highly polished, symmetrical dome shape without facets—specifically designed to showcase the schiller effect. A skilled lapidary must orient the stone precisely so the flash is easily visible when the piece is worn or displayed. A poorly cut stone, where the flash is only visible at an extreme angle, will be priced much lower, regardless of the rough material’s quality.
Understanding Market Pricing and Forms
The price of labradorite depends heavily on its level of processing and market context. Rough material, sold in bulk by the pound, represents the lowest price point because it requires significant labor to determine the flash and cut a final piece. This material is primarily purchased by lapidary artists and wholesale manufacturers for further refinement.
Tumbled or polished specimens, often sold individually for collection or metaphysical purposes, represent the mid-range of the market. These pieces have been lightly processed to reveal the flash but are not cut into precise jewelry shapes. They carry a higher price per pound than rough material because the quality of the flash has been verified and the stones are ready for immediate use.
Finished jewelry stones, such as calibrated cabochons or unique display carvings, command the highest prices, typically quoted per carat. This price premium covers the cost of skilled labor, material loss during cutting, and the quality assurance of a usable piece. The market differentiates between wholesale pricing, offered in large volumes to businesses, and retail pricing, which is the final price paid by the consumer and includes the seller’s markup.
Typical Price Ranges and Expectations
Labradorite can be categorized into three general tiers based on quality, which determines the expected price range. Low-grade material, which has a weak or minimal flash or heavy internal fracturing, can be found as tumbling rough for less than $10 per pound. Finished cabochons from this tier, often displaying only a muted blue or gray flash, may sell for as little as $2 to $5 per carat.
Mid-grade stones, which represent the bulk of the market, feature a good, consistent flash, typically in common colors like blue and green. Rough material suitable for cutting into quality cabochons may range from $20 to $40 per pound, depending on the yield. Finished cabochons in this range usually sell for $10 to $40 per carat for average sizes.
High-grade and premium Spectrolite material represents the top tier, valued for its intense saturation, full coverage, and rare colors like purple, red, or a multi-color spectrum. Finished, top-quality Spectrolite cabochons can start at $50 per carat and easily exceed $100 per carat for exceptional, large specimens. In rare cases, a small stone with an extremely rare red flash has sold for $1,000 per carat or more, demonstrating that the price is dictated by the unique quality of its light.