The Labradorite history of the labradorite is marked by its discovery in the late 18th century, its popularity in the 18th century, and its use in spiritual practices and jewelry today. Labradorite was discovered by Moravian missionaries in the Labrador region of Canada around 1770. It was a popular choice for jewelry and ornamental carving in France and England in the 18th century. Legend has it that the Northern Lights were trapped in the rocks of Labrador until a warrior freed them with a spear; its iridescent appearance is caused by twinned lamellae that reflect light, creating a phenomenon known as adularescence or Schiller effect.