The Stone of the Northern Lights
Labradorite is one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most enchanting natural treasures, a stone that seems to hold the magic of the Northern Lights within its depths.
The Legend of Labradorite
According to a popular legend inspired by Inuit storytelling, long ago, the Northern Lights were trapped within the rocks along the rugged coast of Labrador. For countless years, their brilliant colours lay hidden beneath the dark stone, waiting to be released.
One day, a wandering warrior discovered the shimmering light trapped within the rock. With a mighty strike of his spear, he shattered the stone, releasing the beautiful colours into the night sky. The lights danced across the heavens, becoming the magnificent Aurora Borealis ; the Northern Lights.
But not all the light escaped. Some remained hidden within the stones, forever capturing the magical blues, greens, golds and flashes of fire that we see in Labradorite today.
And so, the legend tells us, every piece of Labradorite holds a little of the Northern Lights within it.
The True Origins of Labradorite
The scientific story is equally fascinating.
Labradorite is a naturally occurring feldspar mineral, first scientifically described from specimens collected on the coast of Labrador in 1770. It takes its name from the land where it was discovered by European mineralogists.
Its extraordinary shimmering colours are created by a natural optical phenomenon called labradorescence. As light enters the stone, it interacts with microscopic structures within the mineral, producing remarkable flashes of blue, green, gold and occasionally orange and violet. Unlike the surface sparkle of many gemstones, Labradorite's beauty seems to emerge from deep within the stone itself.
Although Labradorite is found in several parts of the world, including Madagascar, Finland and Canada, its name and history are forever connected to Labrador.
A Stone of Transformation and Protection
Throughout modern gemstone traditions, Labradorite has become associated with transformation, strength, intuition and protection. It is often called the Stone of Magic or the Stone of Transformation, symbolizing the idea that extraordinary beauty and potential can lie hidden beneath an ordinary exterior.
These are symbolic associations rather than scientifically established healing properties.
Labradorite: A Story of Nature, Light & Place
For a Newfoundland and Labrador jewelry designer, Labradorite holds a particularly special meaning. It is more than a beautiful gemstone; it is a connection to the land, sea and extraordinary natural beauty of home.
No two pieces of Labradorite are ever alike. Some reveal delicate whispers of colour, while others come alive with breathtaking flashes of blue, green and gold. This remarkable play of light, known as labradorescence, gives the stone its captivating character and almost magical quality.
The natural variations, textures and imperfections are what make each stone extraordinary. They remind us that nature's beauty is not found in perfection, but in individuality and character.
The Journey of Our Stones
Although Labradorite takes its name from Labrador, sourcing this beautiful stone directly from its namesake region is no simple undertaking.
The Labrador deposits are located in a remote area off the northern coast, where access is challenging and the cost of retrieving the stone is considerable. The original quarry has been closed for many years, and protecting the natural resources of this remarkable region remains an important consideration.
I have been fortunate to receive permission to source small quantities of Labradorite from Labrador for artistic purposes. Because these stones are so difficult to obtain, I reserve them primarily for special, one-of-a-kind creations. Each carries a particularly meaningful connection.
Most of the Labradorite used in my collections is sourced from Finland, where a closely related variety of the stone is found. Finnish Labradorite is celebrated for its exceptional quality and brilliant flashes of colour, making it a beautiful complement to the stones from Labrador.
Regardless of its origin, every stone is individually selected for its natural beauty, character and unique display of light.
The Elizabeth Burry Signature Labradorite Finish
Nature creates the beauty. Our craftsmanship brings it to light.
To celebrate the remarkable character of raw Labradorite, we have developed our own signature finishing technique. Each selected stone is carefully finished with a thin, crystal-clear layer of UV-cured resin. This thoughtful process enhances the visibility of the stone's naturally occurring flashes of colour while providing a protective surface that helps guard against everyday wear.
No artificial colour is added. Nothing is painted or manufactured to create the extraordinary flashes you see. They exist naturally within the stone itself. Think of a beautiful stone discovered along a rocky Newfoundland shoreline. When dry, its colours may appear quiet and understated. But when touched by water and illuminated by sunlight, its hidden brilliance suddenly comes alive.
Our signature finish creates a similar effect, allowing Labradorite's natural colours to shine while preserving the rugged, organic character that makes each stone unique. It is a finishing technique designed not to change nature, but to celebrate it.
A Little Piece of the Northern Lights
Long associated with the mystery and beauty of the Northern Lights, Labradorite has an almost magical ability to capture light and reveal unexpected colour.
For me, working with Labradorite is about honouring that connection between stone, landscape and imagination. Every piece tells its own story, shaped by nature and thoughtfully crafted by hand.
A piece of Elizabeth Burry Labradorite jewelry is more than an adornment. It is a little piece of the Northern Lights, a celebration of nature's individuality, and a connection to the wild beauty of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Sourced from nature. Crafted by hand. Defined as art.