Labradorite Round Cabochon 40x6mm

Round labradorite cabochon, 40×6 mm, with large surface labradorescence. The large diameter (40 mm) on a slim profile of only 6 mm creates a mineral disc that functions like a handheld optical crystal.

Item details

This particular piece

The 40 mm diameter format with only 6 mm height produces a disc with great visual impact, very little weight and volume. It is the most "architectural" format of the three round ones: the diameter/height ratio is ~6.7:1, which means the labradorescence is distributed as a field of color that covers practically the entire visual field of the jewel, without the dome depth of the 35×8 mm.

How labradorescence forms

Labradorite belongs to the plagioclase feldspar group and crystallizes in metamorphic and plutonic structures of basic composition, especially in anorthosites—rocks formed almost exclusively of plagioclase. During tectonic cooling, local variations in chemical composition cause separation into alternating albite and anorthite lamellae at the nanometer scale (exsolution). The interlaminar spacing, which determines the color of the flash by constructive interference, is established during this process and no longer changes at room temperature. In high-quality labradorite, this spacing is very uniform throughout the piece, producing a homogeneous and brilliant flash. In wholesale stock pieces, the spacing may vary within the same sample, creating color gradients that add visual complexity.

What setting it works for

• Large format medallion pendant in 925 silver — 40 mm is the scale of a significant medallion; the.
• Centerpiece in a structured necklace — the perfect circular shape allows the piece to be positioned as an axis.
• Large format wire wrap — the flat 40 mm back offers a lot of surface for.

Labradorite in lapidary tradition

Labradorite was named by explorer and mineralogist Moritz von Aepinus in 1770, who found it in coastal deposits on the Labrador Peninsula (Canada). In Maori tradition and in cultures of Northern Europe, the stone with internal flashes is interpreted as a portal to other realities: the color that appears and disappears depending on the angle evokes the idea of knowledge revealed according to the observer's position. The Finnish variety—spectrolite—was extensively used in Scandinavian art deco jewelry from the 1930s-1940s and is still highly valued by goldsmiths in the region. In crystal tradition, it is associated with intuition, discernment, and unconventional thinking.

The symbolic properties attributed to minerals belong to cultural and historical traditions. They are shared for educational purposes, not as medical advice or a substitute for professional care.

How to recognize genuine labradorite

Quality labradorite has a visible flash from a significant distance and from a wide arc of angles (not just from an exact spot). The background is gray with no reflections at other wavelengths. Under magnification, cleavage lines are visible on the flat back. The most common imitation is iridescent glass ("mystic quartz" or coated glass), which has color on the surface and not inside, and lacks cleavage or the characteristic density of feldspars.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 40 mm flash more intense than in smaller formats?

The intensity of the flash depends on the quality of the internal exsolution, not the size.

Is it suitable for an everyday pendant?

Yes. For use as a pendant, labradorite with 6–6.5 Mohs has no restrictions.

What necklace diameter do you recommend for this cabochon?

For a 40 mm focal piece, chains or necklaces of 40–50 cm (length above the chest) allow the.