Comparison · Minerals
Albite vs Labradorite
Albite and Labradorite are easy to confuse because both are minerals. Both sit near Mohs 6–6.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Albite and Labradorite
- Both sit near Mohs 6–6.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Albite is Transparent to translucent, Labradorite is translucent.
- They overlap in gray, green, and blue, but Albite also comes in clear and Labradorite also comes in yellow.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Albite is Triclinic, Labradorite is triclinic.
Albite vs Labradorite properties
| Property | Albite | Labradorite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Minerals | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 6–6.5 | 6 |
| Luster | Vitreous, pearly on cleavage | vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent | translucent |
| Specific gravity | 2.60–2.65 | 2.7 |
| Crystal system | Triclinic | triclinic |
| Common colors | White, Colorless, Gray, Greenish, Pale blue (rare) | Gray, Blue flash, Green flash, Gold flash |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $2–$150+ | $5–$300+ |
Which is more valuable?
Labradorite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $30 against $20 for Albite, and premium Labradorite can reach $300 or more.
About Albite
Albite is the sodium-rich end-member of the plagioclase feldspar series, with the formula NaAlSi3O8, forming a continuous solid-solution series with the calcium end-member anorthite. It typically appears as white, cream, or pale gray tabular crystals with two cleavage directions meeting near a right angle. Its low density and glassy luster set it apart from denser silicates, and it is a defining component of many granites, gneisses, and pegmatites.
About Labradorite
Labradorite is a feldspar mineral famous for its stunning iridescent display called labradorescence, showing flashes of blue, green, gold, and orange.
Albite vs Labradorite FAQ
Is Albite the same as Labradorite?
No. Both are minerals, but they are distinct species with different hardness, streak or luster. Both sit near Mohs 6–6.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Albite from Labradorite?
Both sit near Mohs 6–6.5, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Hold a thin edge to the light: Albite is Transparent to translucent, Labradorite is translucent. They overlap in gray, green, and blue, but Albite also comes in clear and Labradorite also comes in yellow.
Which is harder, Albite or Labradorite?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 6–6.5.
Which is more valuable, Albite or Labradorite?
Labradorite is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $30 against $20 for Albite, and premium Labradorite can reach $300 or more.
