The Battle of the Gemstones: Spectrolite vs. Labradorite

Are you collecting beautiful, eye-catching crystals or exploring the spiritual powers of gemstones? Do you want to understand which healing and metaphysical properties resonate more deeply with Spectrolite or Labradorite? 

I always used to think that Spectrolite was Labradorite. Honestly, I didn’t even know Spectrolite existed until a few years ago. Labradorite is one of my favorite gems due to the striking patterns it beholds that refract and reflect beautifully in the light. 

I’m going to be completely frank. It’s VERY difficult to distinguish between Spectrolite and Labradorite, as they are, in essence, the same stone, with Spectrolite merely being a higher quality version.

These crystals appear so similar they could easily be mistaken as identical pieces. Their labradorescence makes them appear almost the same, creating a world of confusion for gemstone enthusiasts!

What is Spectrolite Crystal?

Spectrolite was first discovered during Finland’s Second World War among rugged landscapes and under the mesmerizing Northern Lights. This stone is more vibrant and colorful than typical Labradorite stones and is considered rarer.

It was discovered when Finnish soldiers, building fortifications, noticed a shimmering material later identified as this stone. Spectrolite is considered the highest grade of Labradorite, presenting an even broader spectrum of colors. It’s the same mineral but exhibits superior labradorescence.

At first sight, you cannot help but be mesmerized when gazing upon a Spectrolite crystal. While its texture resembles other Feldspar gemstones, its true charm lies in its extraordinary colors. It appears like there are miniature galaxies caught within the stone. 

Spectrolite captivates us with deep blues, vibrant greens, and sometimes vibrant orange and red hues depending on light refraction angles.

Spectrolite Crystal Properties 

As a gem of transformation and illumination, Spectrolite’s healing properties make it an invaluable aid for personal development. It is closely associated with the Third Eye Chakra for enhanced intuition, psychic ability development, and higher consciousness growth. 

It also connects to the Throat Chakra, enhancing confidence in your authentic expression. Uranus serves as its ruling planet, reinforcing its ability to help you become more progressive, transformative, and connected to the world around you.

Spectrolite is a stone that facilitates inner journey and spiritual transformation. This resonates deeply with the energies of the number 7, which is about going within, contemplating the mysteries of existence, and developing a deep understanding of yourself and the world.

Spectrolite connects with Water, an element representing emotion, intuition, and the unconscious mind. On the Mohs hardness scale, it ranks 6 to 6.5, offering reasonable durability when used for jewelry.

What is a Labradorite Crystal?

Uncovered among the Isle of Paul in Labrador, in Canada’s frozen landscapes, Labradorite has a touch of blue and green to match that of the Aurora Borealis above. Indigenous Inuit believe this stone emanates from Aurora’s frozen fire, granting it magical properties.

Labradorite has an array of iridescent colors, known as labradorescence. This optical effect arises due to the interaction between light and thin layers within it, producing flashes of vivid blues, greens, golds, and sometimes purple or red tones. 

While the most common type of Labradorite is the grayish type displaying a range of colors, there is also a transparent variety called “Rainbow Moonstone” or “White Labradorite.”

Besides Canada, Labradorite is also found in Madagascar, Ukraine, Australia, Mexico, Norway, and the USA. Each location produces Labradorite with slightly different colorations and qualities.

What Does Labradorite Look Like

Though typically gray to gray-black in hue, it glistens with brilliant blues, greens, and gold hues when illuminated. This phenomenon gives this stone its otherworldly charm.

The colors are not uniform. Instead, they appear in flashes or patches, known as “schiller.” These iridescent patches are scattered across the stone’s surface.

Labradorite can be smooth and polished, but it can also retain rough and natural textures. The stone is often cut into cabochons for jewelry to maximize the effect of the labradorescence. 

3 Stones Similar to Labradorite Crystal

Labradorite, Spectrolite, Rainbow Moonstone, and Opal are gemstones that share a similar optical phenomenon. Labradorite is a type of plagioclase Feldspar. Spectrolite, a high-grade variety of Labradorite, displays an intense spectrum of colors.

Despite its name, Rainbow Moonstone is not a true Moonstone but a variety of Labradorite that exhibits a blue or multicolored sheen. Opal, a hydrated amorphous form of silica, showcases a similar color play due to light diffraction by its internal array of silica spheres.

Labradorite Crystal Properties 

As the Stone of Magic, Labradorite is associated with spiritual awakening, otherworldly powers, and protection. Resonating most strongly with the Third Eye and Throat Chakras, Labradorite increases mental clarity, awareness of yourself and the world around you, communication, and emotional intelligence.

Its connection to Uranus encourages revolutionary change. Its element is Water, which promotes emotional balance and introspection. On the Mohs scale, Labradorite scores between 6 to 6.5.

Working with Labradorite awakens your innate magical powers, including clairvoyance, telepathy, astral travel, accessing the Akashic Records, past-life recall, and communication with higher guides and spirits.

Labradorite is also seen as a protector stone, providing a shield for the aura and protecting against the misfortunes of this world.

For further exploration of Labradorite’s metaphysical properties and benefits, I highly recommend reading “Labradorite: Meaning, Properties, and Benefits You Should Know.” This comprehensive guide offers insight into its unique qualities.

5 Similarities between Spectrolite vs. Labradorite

Let’s delve into the uncanny resemblances between Spectrolite and Labradorite.

Gemstone Family: Spectrolite and Labradorite belong to the Feldspar family, and Spectrolite is considered the most high-grade type of Labradorite.

Labradorescence: Both crystals display labradorescence, a captivating display of spectral colors that appears when the stones catch the light.

Primary Chakra: Both stones resonate powerfully with the Third Eye and Throat Chakras, acting as conduits for authentic expression and spiritual awareness and insight.

Ruling Planet: Uranus rules both Spectrolite and Labradorite, enhancing their properties of change, disruption, and awakening.

Elemental Affinity: Both stones align with the Water element, which symbolizes emotion, intuition, and the unconscious mind, enabling them to facilitate emotional healing and reflection.

5 Differences between Spectrolite vs. Labradorite

Despite their numerous similarities, Spectrolite and Labradorite are distinct in their own right, each offering unique properties and benefits. Let’s explore what sets these two stones apart.

Geographic Origin: While Labradorite is named after Labrador, Canada, where it was first discovered, Spectrolite was found in Finland.

Labradorescence: While both stones exhibit labradorescence, Spectrolite showcases a broader spectrum of colors and is more vibrant and eye-catching than Labradorite.

Rarity: Spectrolite is the most superior grade of Labradorite and is rarer and often more sought after.

Spiritual Properties: While both stones promote intuition and psychic abilities, Spectrolite brings light to the unseen aspects of yourself, whereas Labradorite is more associated with discovering your true self.

Availability and Price: Due to its rarity, Spectrolite tends to be less available and more expensive than Labradorite.

Spectrolite vs. Labradorite Crystal in Everyday Life

Spectrolite’s spectrum of vibrant hues makes it the ideal material to serve as the focus in jewelry, such as pendants or large rings. This stone is so eye-catching that it inspires conversation and encourages admiration from viewers. 

Spectrolite is the ideal statement piece and is truly one of the most unique gemstones you can lay your eyes on. My Spectrolite pendant truly makes me feel like I am some kind of Fae princess living in another realm.

Labradorite is utilized as home decor. With its subtle hues that complement many interior styles, Labradorite spheres or freeform sculptures can add energy to a space and act as striking focal points. If you have never laid your eyes on Labradorite slabs, google some images. These slabs are often used in counters, doors, and tiles and are remarkably beautiful.

Spectrolite vs. Labradorite Revealed by Experts

Labradorite is a stone of transformation and change, supporting resilience and inner strength during life adjustments. Its iridescent colors help balance the aura and chakras and cleanse negative energies. It enhances psychic abilities or protects against negativity and misfortunes.

Spectrolite is a type of Labradorite and is associated with similar spiritual properties. However, because Spectrolite is a higher grade of Labradorite with a broader color spectrum, it has amplified properties. It is associated with an increased ability to tap into higher levels of consciousness, deeper spiritual growth, or more profound transformative powers.

Final Thoughts

No matter which crystal speaks to you, whether it’s Spectrolite’s profound, vibrant hues or Labradorite’s more accessible yet transformative energy, each offers distinct paths toward personal and spiritual exploration. 

In fact, Spectrolite and Labradorite make an effective team. Not many will be able to tell that you are wearing two different crystals. But teaming these two up is a great way to fully access and embody the healing and metaphysical properties of Labradorite. Just remember to cleanse and charge them regularly!