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Labradorite is an unusual gemstone that shimmers as the light plays across the stone, showing a range of colors that usually includes blue, teal and grey and can also show yellows and reds.  It ranges in clarity as well: from opaque to hazy translucent, each showing it's own aspect of beauty.  Labradorite is named after Labrador, Canada where it was first discovered.  The color phenomenon that it shows has been named "labradorescence".  It belongs to the feldspar family of minerals and shares the unusual shimmer of color with it's cousins moonstone, sunstone, andalusite, and andesine.

Labradorite is usually cut en cabochon, but some pieces with some clarity can be faceted.  Faceted opaque labradorite beads are also popular in artisan jewelry.