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Labradorite is a mineral with a "clor play" effect called "labradorescence", it usually occurs as clear, white to gray. Labradorite was first found in 1770 on the Paul's Island near the town of Nain in Labrador, Canada. It has also been reported in Norway and various other locations worldwide: in India, Madagascar, Newfoundland, and Russia. It also has been found in some meteorites.

Gem quality labradorite is known as spectrolite; which is a colorless variety, darkened with needlelike inclusions, it is often called black moonstone. Spectrolite is a dark and opalescent blue with a shimmer when the light hits it. It was discovered in Finland during 1940s, and it is also called falcons-eye.

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According to an Eskimo legend, the Northern Lights were once imprisoned in the rocks along the coast of Labrador peninsula. It is told that a wandering Eskimo warrior found them and was able to free most of the lights with a mighty blow of his spear. Some of the lights were still trapped within the stone, and thus we have today the beautiful mineral known as labradorite.

Labradorite which shows an iridescent play of colors is used in jewelry and lapidary items, and as an ornamental stone it has many popular uses such as in decorative clock faces, table and counter tops, facing for buildings, etc.. Traditionally, labradorite is thought to bring good luck.