Labradorite is one of the most stunning gems. It shows a magical play of color. As a result, flashes of blue, green, gold, and orange are visible. These flashes can be seen as the light falls on the stone. This effect is called labradorescence. When you buy natural labradorite gemstone online, you have to check this effect. That’s because it’s what makes labradorite, an ideal stone for jewelry making.
But it’s equally important to know about the prices of this gemstone. And in this blog, we’ll explore that!
Labradorite for Jewelry
Labradorite comes from places such as Madagascar, Canada, Finland, and India. Each of these locations produce different types of labradorite. You can see the difference in terms of looks and quality. However, labradorite is popular for jewelry making because of its color flashes.
For jewelry, it works pretty well in terms of holding up. The hardness is around 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, so daily wear should not be a problem most of the time.
Factors That Affect Labradorite Price
Before we know the factors, it’s important to shortlist the right sellers. There are many trusted platforms such as GemstonesForSale that offer real stones. When you choose reliable sellers, you don’t have to overpay for any stone.
1. Color Flash (Labradorescence)
If a stone has bright and colorful flashes, then it would cost more. This is because such stones look beautiful in jewelry. Similarly, a stone with a strong blue or multi-color flash will also be expensive. On the contrary, a stone with a dull or weak flash usually comes at a cheap price. Of all the varieties, full-spectrum flash stones are the most valuable ones.
2. Transparency
Labradorite comes in different levels of transparency. Some stones are opaque whereas some are semi-transparent. Keep in mind that a transparent labradorite is quite rare, which makes it more expensive.
3. Cut and Shape
Generally, well-cut and polished stones cost more than the rough ones. Ideally, you should go for labradorite cabochons for jewelry. You can also go for faceted stones, but they are quite pricier. Some of the other options include round, oval, and pear shapes. These are also used for jewelry.
4. Size and Weight
The weight of the stone is measured in carats. The larger stones are more expensive. For example, a small 5-carat stone will cost much less than a 20-carat stone.
5. Origin
The origin of the stone also matters as it tells you about the quality. When we talk about labradorite, the Spectrolite from Finland is a top-quality variety. It shows the full color spectrum. That’s why it is more expensive than regular labradorite.
6. Treatment
Most labradorite stones are untreated in the market. This is a good thing as untreated stones are more valuable. They also provide healing benefits. To confirm this, you can ask the seller if the stone has been treated.
Labradorite Price Guide by Type
Here is a simple breakdown of prices. These are general ranges; the prices vary by sellers and the market.
Rough Labradorite
If you are looking for the most affordable opinion, then go for a rough labradorite. It is a basic rough stone with no polish. You can easily get this type at $0.10 to $0.50 per carat. However, if the rough stone naturally shows some color flashes, then the price can increase up to $0.50 to $1.50 per carat for that.
Labradorite Cabochons
When you are getting a labradorite for jewelry making, cabochons are a budget-friendly choice. They are dome-shaped for that added shine. You can expect to pay around $1 to $3 per carat for a labradorite cabochon. But, if the stone shows blue or green color flashes, its price can go up to $3 to $8 per carat.
Faceted Labradorite
Since faceted cuts require a lot of time and skill, these are the most expensive types. For example, you can get a basic faceted stone at $3 to $8 per carat. If you want better quality, then you will have to spend around $20 to $60 per carat.
Spectrolite
Spectrolite only comes from Finland and shows multiple color flashes. That’s why it is rare and expensive. The starting pricing point for this labradorite type ranges from $15 to $40 per carat.
Labradorite Beads
These are suitable for necklaces and bracelets. Usually, you will get them in strands only. If you want something affordable, go for beads with a weak color flash. They cost around $0.50 to $1.50 per carat.
Final Thoughts
The pricing of a labradorite depends on its quality, size, color flash, and type. When getting this gemstone, you need to consider your purpose. For example, there is a labradorite for jewelry and healing. Once you figure out the “why” behind your purchase, it becomes easier to get the right type.
