What Is Northern Lights Stone? A Guide to Auroral Gems
If you’ve searched for ‘Northern Lights Stone’, you’ve likely seen a variety of beautiful, iridescent gems. However, this isn’t a specific geological classification. It’s a marketing term used to describe any gemstone whose appearance captures the ethereal, shifting colors of the Aurora Borealis. The effect is caused by unique optical properties within the stone, not by pigments or dyes.
While several gems can fall under this umbrella, the name is most famously and accurately associated with one particular mineral family known for its breathtaking play-of-color. This guide will explore the primary stones known as Northern Lights Stone and other contenders for the title.
The Primary 'Northern Lights Stone': Labradorite & Spectrolite
The true origin of the ‘Northern Lights Stone’ name lies with the feldspar mineral Labradorite. Its unique optical phenomenon is so tied to the aurora that it has become the definitive gem for this description.
Labradorite: The Original Aurora Gem
Labradorite is the gemstone most commonly sold as Northern Lights Stone. It is a feldspar mineral that, at first glance, can appear to be a dull, dark grey-green stone. However, when it catches the light at the right angle, it flashes with an incredible iridescent glow of blue, green, gold, and peacock colors. This stunning optical effect is called labradorescence. According to Inuit legend, the Northern Lights were once trapped inside the rocks along the coast of Labrador, and a warrior freed most of them with his spear, but some of the light remained captured within the stone. This folklore perfectly captures the visual magic of Labradorite, making it the quintessential auroral gem.
Spectrolite: Labradorite’s Premium Cousin
Spectrolite is not a different mineral, but rather a specific, exceptionally high-quality variety of Labradorite found only in Finland. What sets it apart is the intensity and range of its colors. While standard Labradorite primarily shows blues and greens, Spectrolite can display the entire spectrum of color, including vibrant oranges, reds, and purples, often all at once. This full-spectrum display makes it an even more accurate representation of the Northern Lights. Discovered during World War II, its rarity and superior labradorescence make Spectrolite more valuable and sought-after by collectors and jewelry designers.
The Science Behind the Glow: Labradorescence
The magical glow of Labradorite and Spectrolite is not a surface color but a fascinating trick of the light. The effect, known as labradorescence, is a form of iridescence caused by light interacting with the stone’s internal structure. The mineral is composed of extremely thin, stacked layers of different compositions. When light enters the stone, it bounces off these various layers. This interference splits the light into its component colors, and only certain wavelengths (colors) are reflected back to your eye. As you change the angle of the stone or the light source, the colors you see will change, creating the dynamic, shimmering effect that so perfectly mimics the dancing aurora.
Other Gems with an Auroral Glow
While Labradorite is the classic ‘Northern Lights Stone’, other gems, often enhanced by humans, are sometimes marketed under the same name due to their iridescent qualities.
Aura Quartz: A Man-Made Wonder
Aura Quartz is a group of crystals, most commonly clear quartz, that have been treated to produce a vibrant, metallic rainbow sheen. The process, called vapor deposition, involves placing the quartz in a vacuum chamber and bonding microscopic particles of precious metals like gold, titanium, or platinum to its surface. The result, known as ‘Angel Aura’ or ‘Aqua Aura’ quartz, has a high-energy, rainbow-like appearance. While beautiful, it’s important to know that this is a man-made enhancement. The color is a surface coating and not an intrinsic optical property of the quartz itself, unlike the natural glow of Labradorite.
Mystic Topaz: The Coated Gemstone
Similar to Aura Quartz, Mystic Topaz is a natural gemstone—in this case, white topaz—that has been given a special coating to create a rainbow effect. A very thin layer of titanium is applied to the stone’s pavilion (the bottom, pointed part), which causes light to reflect in a kaleidoscope of colors. The effect is dazzling and often marketed as ‘Northern Lights Topaz’. Like Aura Quartz, this is a surface treatment that can be scratched or damaged over time. Its color play is typically more of a surface-level rainbow shimmer compared to the deeper, more directional flash seen in high-quality Labradorite.
Quick Facts
- ‘Northern Lights Stone’ is a trade name, not a scientific mineral name.
- Labradorite is the gemstone most commonly and accurately associated with this term.
- Spectrolite is a rare, high-quality variety of Labradorite from Finland with a full spectrum of color.
- The glow in Labradorite is a natural optical effect called ‘labradorescence’.
- Other stones like Aura Quartz and Mystic Topaz are surface-coated to create a similar iridescent effect.
- The effect in Labradorite is caused by light interference within the stone’s layered structure.
- Always ask a seller to clarify which specific mineral they are selling when they use a trade name.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is Northern Lights Stone the same as Aurora Borealis Stone? A: Yes, ‘Northern Lights Stone’ and ‘Aurora Borealis Stone’ are interchangeable marketing terms. They both refer to gemstones, primarily Labradorite and Spectrolite, that exhibit a colorful iridescence resembling the aurora.
Q: How can you tell if Labradorite is real? A: Real Labradorite has a directional play-of-color, known as ‘flash’ or ‘schiller’. The color appears and disappears as you tilt the stone. Fake or low-quality imitations often have a uniform, painted-on look that is visible from all angles.
Q: Is Spectrolite more valuable than Labradorite? A: Generally, yes. True Spectrolite from Finland is much rarer and displays a more intense and broader range of colors than typical Labradorite. These factors make it more valuable to collectors and in the jewelry market.
Q: Can the coating on Aura Quartz or Mystic Topaz wear off? A: Yes, because the iridescence on Aura Quartz and Mystic Topaz comes from a microscopic surface coating, it can be scratched or worn away over time with rough handling or exposure to abrasive chemicals.
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