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Labradorite is among the most beautiful feldspar minerals, and finding raw labradorite minerals in nature is satisfying for all rockhounds. That’s why finding the best environments and states for finding a labradorite is good.
Labradorite is found predominantly in igneous rocks, anorthosite bodies, and some metamorphic rocks. The best states to find it include California, New York, and Arizona. Even though labradorite isn’t rare, as it is mined worldwide, some colors are harder to find than others, such as light blue or purple specimens.
This beautiful mineral was first discovered in Canada, near Nain and Labrador on Paul Island. However, there are many U.S. states where you can find it. Let’s see exactly where to find a labradorite in nature, how it forms, and what are the best states in the U.S. to find it!
If you are interested in checking out the best rock and mineral identification books, you can find them by clicking here (Amazon link).
Where to Find Labradorite Near Me (Most Common Environments)
If you want to find a labradorite in nature, you should watch out for a couple of environments. Labradorite is usually found in gneiss, produced by the metamorphism of other labradorite-bearing igneous rocks. You can also find it in basalt, gabbro, olivine, magnetite, pyroxenes, and amphiboles.
Labradorite is also found in sedimentary or metamorphic rocks and anorthosite bodies. Among the best natural environments to find labradorite are quarries, areas near rivers with gravel beds, granite outcrops or exposures, mine and mine dumps, mountainous regions, and others.
Let’s explore these mediums and see precisely why you can find labradorite specimens!
Quarries
Quarries are among the best places to find various natural rocks and minerals. These pits dig deep in the earth and expose various layers. The rocks containing labradorite are usually unearthed in these areas, making them an excellent spot for rockhounds searching for labradorite.
Near Rivers in Gravel Beds
Many rivers in the U.S. with gravel beds host numerous labradorite specimens. Water carries various rocks from different regions; sometimes, they accumulate and get buried under sediments. Sometimes they are exposed and easy to spot.
Granite Outcrops
Granite outcrops are among the best environments where you can find labradorite specimens. Outcrops naturally contain various types of minerals and other specimens. If granite outcrops are near you, you might find some labradorite specimens.
Mine and Mine Dumps
Both mines and mine dumps are excellent locations to find labradorite specimens. Rocks and minerals rich in magnesium or iron are ideal environments where labradorite occurs.
These rocks and minerals form magma that cools beneath the earth’s surface. Mines go deep beneath the ground and expose these rocks, and mine dumps may also contain some specimens.
BTW: Do you want to know more about rock and mineral identification? The books listed below are the best ones you can find on the internet (Amazon links):
- Smithsonian Handbooks: Rocks & Minerals
- Gemstone & Crystal Properties (Quick Study Home)
- Ultimate Explorer Field Guide: Rocks and Minerals (National Geographic Kids)
TIP: Rockhounds have many mediums and environments to collect rocks, minerals, gemstones, or even fossils. Check out the differences between gravel pits, quarries, and mines in the article below:
Difference Between Gravel Pits, Quarries & Mines for Rockhounds
Where Can I Find Labradorite in the USA? The Best Locations
Labradorite is found worldwide but was first discovered in Labrador, Canada. If you aren’t situated in Canada, you shouldn’t worry. There are plenty of U.S. states where labradorite can be found.
The best states in the U.S. to find labradorite specimens include New York, Georgia, Arizona, California, Colorado, Maine, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Wyoming, Tennessee, Virginia, Hawaii, Massachusets, and Idaho, among others.
| State | Locations |
|---|---|
| California | Palos Verdes Hills, San Diego County, Sky Blue Hill |
| New Mexico | Mount Taylor Region, Pueblo Creek, Rattlesnake Hill |
| North Carolina | Thomas Mine, Rockingham County, Buck Creek Mine |
| Hawaii | Halemaumau Crater, Lanikai Hills, Salt Lake Crater |
Let’s explore a couple of these states and see precisely where labradorite is commonly found!
New York
New York is an excellent state for rockhounding regarding labradorite, sunstone, or garnets, among many other things. If you travel to the Capital District, there are various stream gravels, mining dumps, and rock outcrops worth exploring.
If you want to find a labradorite, one of your best chances is to head to the Opalescent River or Cascade Lakes and search the area of gravels and outcrops. The area quarries near Keeseville are worth exploring to find beautiful labradorite specimens of varying colors.
Head to Port Kent and search for a labradorite on the southern shore, or go to Sacandaga River and search along highway 8. There are also some good labradorite locations in western New York.
Some areas worth exploring include the 18 Mile Creek, the banks of the Genesee River, or the eastern area of Canadice Lake.
TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in New York, check out this article.
Arizona
Like New York, Arizona has several places to find beautiful labradorite specimens. You can start your adventure in Cochise County and visit Bisbee or Dos Cabezas Mountains.
Here, the Graham Mountains-Fisher Hills area has some fantastic locations where you can find labradorite. Winchester Mountain, specifically the mining district, is a great area to start searching.
The Galiuro Mountains are also a great place worth exploring. Rockhounds should also consider visiting Greenlee County or Pima County and heading towards the Cienega Gap area or Rincon Mountains.
At the Rincon Mountains, you can visit the Mineta Ridge area or go straight to Sierrita Mountains and visit the Black Mountain and Tucson Mountains, where several mining districts are present. Santa Cruz County and Yavapai County have several areas where labradorite is mined.
TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in Arizona, check out this article.
California
There is no state like California, especially regarding the various beautiful locations where you can find labradorite specimens. In Amador County, enthusiasts should visit Jackson Butte or head straight to Inyo County.
At Inyo County, you can find labradorite specimens at the Panamint Range or mining district, or the Little Chief Granite Dome. In Kern County, you should visit Boron or Los Angeles County. You can visit the Lady Face Ridge, where beautiful labradorite specimens are present.
Other areas are worth exploring in this county, for example, the Palos Verdes peninsula or the Palos Verde Hills, and several quarries.
Modoc County and Riverside County have their fair share of labradorite rockhounding locations. You can visit Crestmore, namely the quarries, or go straight to the Sky Blue Hill region. At Riverside, there is the New City Quarry, where various labradorite specimens have been unearthed.
In San Bernardino County, there are several rockhounding locations where enthusiasts can find labradorite. The East Kramer Mining District has several areas worth exploring, but you will also find Saddleback Mountain here.
In San Diego county, labradorite specimens are found in the Mesa Grande Mining District. The San Marcos Mountains are also situated here, and several labradorite areas were discovered here. In Western Los Angeles County, there have also been several labradorite occurrences.
TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in California, check out this article.
Colorado
Colorado has several beautiful and attractive rocks and minerals, including labradorite, that can be discovered if you know where to look. To find labradorite specimens, head to Chaffee Count. Here, head to the Sedalia Mining District.
In Fremont County, you can find labradorite specimens at the Cotopaxi Mining District, Mine Gulch, or the Gem Park Complex.
In Gunnison County, a labradorite is present at Sugar Creek or at the Willow Mining District. Jefferson County is also worth exploring.
You can find a labradorite at the Evergreen Mining District, F.M.D Mine, or Malachite Mine. They vary in color, but before you head there, ensure you have permission to collect.
TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in Colorado, check out this article.
Hawaii
Hawaii is, without a doubt, a beautiful and tiny state, but there are several exciting things you can find here, not just labradorite.
However, if labradorite is your sole intention, then you are lucky! To begin your journey, head to Hawaii County and visit the Kilauea Volcano, where labradorite specimens can be found at the Halemaumau Crater.
In Honolulu County, you can find labradorite at Oahu Island, specifically the Koolau Range or the Lanikai Hills. The Salt Lake Crater, also known as Aliapaakai, is worth exploring. At the Pohakea Pass, you can find beautiful clear or yellow labradorite specimens in the general area.
TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in Hawai, check out this article.
Maine
In Maine, you can find several areas worth exploring to find labradorite specimens. Some areas aren’t as rich as others, and some have already been depleted. However, there are still a couple of them left.
You can find a labradorite in Androscoggin County at Lewiston, the city quarry. You can head to Alder Stream Township and explore Camptonite Dike in Franklin County. In Knox County, you can find a labradorite at Appleton, while the spot on route 105 road cut is no longer viable.
The Harriman prospect near Union is also an excellent place to visit, but the areas around Washington are already depleted or off-bounds. In Oxford County, you can visit Bethel and head to Sanborn Hill to find labradorites.
At Grafton, you can find a labradorite at the Ammonoosuc Volcanics. Picataquis County is also worth visiting because you can find labradorite at the Big Moose Township, the Fayalite locality, the Katahdin Iron Works, or the Little Moose Township, namely the Route 16 road cut.
York County also has several labradorite locations. You can find the minerals in Kennebunkport, Spouting Rock, or Walkers Point. In York, visit the Cape Neddick, Cape Neddick River locality, or Mount Agameticus.
TIP: For a complete rockhounding guide in Maine, check out this article.
TIP: Labradorite is incredibly valuable for its iridescence phenomenon, usually compared to peacock tale or Aurora light. Find out more about labradorite’s value in the article below:
Labradorite Value: Main Factors & Prices for Different Units
FAQ About Finding Labradorite
Still did not find the answer to your questions about finding a labradorite? Find frequently asked questions in the section below:
Where can you naturally find Labradorite?
Labradorite occurs naturally in sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks. Gneiss, basalt, gabbro, olivine, or magnetite are a couple of examples. In most cases, labradorite occurs in mafic igneous rocks, anorthosites, or metamorphic amphibolites.
Is Labradorite rare?
Labradorite isn’t a rare feldspar mineral. However, it isn’t easy to find either. You can find labradorite if you know where to look, but specific colors, such as pale blue or purple, are rare. The most common labradorite has a gray or blue color.
What does natural labradorite look like?
Natural labradorite varies in color depending on its content. Some of the most common-looking colors for labradorite include blue, green, yellow, or red. The iridescent effect disperses light into different colors.
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Conclusion
Labradorite is, without a doubt, among the most beautiful feldspar minerals out there. If you live in the U.S. states mentioned above, you are lucky as there are various locations where you can find this unique mineral.
Even if you live in a state not mentioned here, it is still worth exploring the typical environments mentioned above because there is a high chance you will discover labradorite specimens. If you want to maximize your chances of finding it, consider joining a rock-hounding club!
TIP: Fake labradorites can be easily spotted. Check out the main characteristics which will help you to differentiate between the fake and real stone in the article below:
Real vs. Fake Labradorite: Focus on These 8 Differences