What Is Yellow Labradorite?

Identification

• Labradorite is an opaque to translucent member of the feldspar group of minerals. It is often used as a semiprecious stone in jewelry or in art.

Types

• These stones are usually gray or black, but sometimes they have iridescent colors, most commonly in blue or violet, but also in yellow, orange, green and multicolored.

Schiller

• When light hits some labradorite stones, they may display rainbow-colored hues called "schiller." The color display is due to light refraction among layers inside the stone.

Yellows

• Yellow labradorite can be found in gold, lemon, light straw and nearly white. Like other yellow iridescent feldspar minerals, it is sometimes called sunstone.

Significance

• Labradorite is considered a beautiful but minor gem. It is relatively common in nature, although the yellow color is more difficult to find.