Durability is the honest place to start with labradorite. It sits at 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, softer than quartz, and it cleaves easily in two directions. A ring worn every day will pick up marks and risks a chip, while a pendant or a pair of earrings will stay clean for years. This 18.45 carat stone belongs in the second group.

To clean it, use a damp cloth with a little mild soap. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are out. In a jewellery box, give it its own pouch so harder stones cannot scratch the polished dome.

The stone

It is a cabochon with a bright blue flash on a notably pale grey body, which gives it a different character from darker labradorite. The pale base spreads the flash into something broad and soft. It is close in spirit to moonstone, and for good reason: both are feldspars.

For a video of the flash, or to ask what we know about its treatment, message us on WhatsApp quoting GSN-LB-05. Independent lab testing is your choice.

Compare it with other labradorite stones or read our labradorite buying guide.

Look before you pay: open the parcel with the rider present. Karachi usually gets it within 1 to 2 working days and other cities within 2 to 4, with 7 days to return an unused stone.

This particular stone

This listing is one natural labradorite with a weight of 18.45 Carat. Its price is Rs. 3,190 — roughly Rs. 173 for each carat. Treatment: treatment not tested. Quote reference GSN-LB-05 when you message us about it. The photographs show this exact stone, so what arrives at your door is the piece you chose on screen.

Above twelve carats you are into collector territory. Pieces this heavy are usually set as pendants or kept loose, and they are prized for the size of rough they came from. If you do set it, choose a bezel or a heavy claw to protect the edges.

On the Mohs scale labradorite rates 6 to 6.5. That is middle-of-the-road hardness: comfortable in pendants and earrings, and in rings worn with some care. Store it apart from harder stones so it does not pick up scratches, and wipe it with a damp cloth rather than scrubbing.

Whoever you buy labradorite from, make sure of three things: the stone is natural rather than lab-grown, glass or glass-filled; any treatment is stated in writing; and the weight quoted is the weight of the finished stone. We check every labradorite for those three points before it is listed, and because you pay on delivery you can look at the stone — or have it tested — before any money changes hands.

We sell natural stones only and inspect each one before it is listed. Treatment for this stone: Treatment not tested. No lab report yet; independent testing welcome. As general background (not a statement about this stone): Labradorite is usually untreated. Ask us on WhatsApp and we will tell you what we know about this exact stone; independent lab testing is available on request.

A certificate of authenticity is available on request for this stone, and independent laboratory testing can be arranged. Because you pay on delivery, you can also take the stone to a lab of your choice within the 7-day return window. Read more on our authenticity page.