Okay, I'll admit that Labradorite is a poor substitute for the splendid fiery opal. But even so, it's an appealing gemstone in its own subtle way and it's far less expensive. Labradorite is a hard mineral that has a shiny gray-green appearance.

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When you hold it up to the light, you can see flashes of iridescent bright peacock-blue and neon-violet glowing from within. It's not exactly an opaque mineral with veins of a brighter color like the gold flecks in lapis lazuli. Instead, while looking opaque, it is really semi-opaque. You can see part-way into its interior where the iridescent blue- and violet-hues catch the light and shimmer.

In the photo are a Labradorite pyramid, two loose beads, and a silver pendant featuring a small moonstone with the Labradorite. Those who believe in the spiritual properties of minerals claim that Labradorite helps to stimulate one's natural clairvoyance. At least, that's what I've heard. I haven't had anything metaphysical happen yet!

My Labradorite beads have a beautiful sheen and seem to stand up well to drilling; at least they don't develop fractures as I've seen in pink quartz, for example, that has been drilled for beads. They look terrific with silver findings (less so with gold due to their watery, cool aspect).

Other gemstones with which they pair well include similar glowing semi-opaque gemstones such as moonstones, pearls, dark- or light-green jade, and clear quartz.

If you want a bold contrast, match the Labradorite with solid opaque minerals that have no glow or shimmer like white-onyx, black-onyx, or even hematite for an unusual look that plays off the gray hues in Labradorite. Turquoise can sometimes be pleasing with Labradorite in that it draws attention to its green hue.

To care for Labradorite, you only need a soft cloth to polish away the fingerprints that it will tend to pick up on its gleaming surface when handled. It's not an especially fragile mineral that could be easily scratched or damaged by water.

Projects for Labradorite:

• String the beads into a necklace. Knot your stringing material between each bead in classic pearl-necklace style to keep the beads from grinding against one another (or from scattering if your necklace breaks).



• Make dangling earrings out of silver hoops or silver French-hooks, silver wire, and Labradorite beads.



• Use silver wire to wrap a smooth piece of Labradorite for a pendant.

Labradorite is a beautiful mineral and an unusual new element to add to your jewelry making supplies.