Everything You Want to Know About Moonstone
Moonstone is a unique gemstone known for its soft luster and mysterious play of light. When light moves across its surface, the stone appears to glow from within. This optical effect is called adularescence and is characteristic of moonstone.
This stone has been prized for centuries for its unique appearance and is widely used in jewelry that emphasizes a natural and organic look.
Although moonstone is less hard than, for example, diamond, sapphire, or spinel, when handled with care, it is ideal for jewelry such as pendants, earrings, and rings that are not subjected to extreme stress.
On this page, you can read all about the properties of moonstone, its different colors, its formation, and how to care for this special gemstone.
Moonstone at a Glance
Mineral group: Feldspar
Chemical composition: Potassium aluminum silicate (KAlSi₃O₈)
Hardness: 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale
Suitable for everyday wear: ★★★☆☆
Most common colors: White and colorless
Birthstone: June
Properties of Moonstone
Moonstone belongs to the feldspar group and forms as magma slowly cools deep within the Earth’s crust. The stone is found in Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Myanmar, and Tanzania, among other places.
The most distinctive feature of moonstone is its adularescence: a soft sheen that appears to move across the surface when the stone is tilted. This effect is caused by the stone’s unique internal structure, in which light is scattered between microscopically thin layers of mineral.
With a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, moonstone is more susceptible to scratches and damage than many other gemstones used in jewelry. As a result, the stone requires a little more care, especially when set in a ring that is worn every day.
Colors of Moonstone
Moonstone comes in various colors and shades. The best-known variety is white moonstone with a blue sheen, but other colors are also popular.
Moonstone is found in the following places, among others:
- White
- Colorless
- Gray
- Peach
- Yellow
- Green
- Brown
In addition, there is rainbow moonstone, a stone known for its striking blue and sometimes multicolored sheen. Despite its name, rainbow moonstone actually belongs, from a mineralogical standpoint, to the labradorite family and not to the true moonstones.
Natural, treated, and lab-grown moonstones
Natural moonstone
Virtually all moonstones used in jewelry are naturally formed. Small inclusions and natural features are common and are part of the stone’s character.
Treated moonstone
Moonstone generally undergoes little processing. Sometimes the stone is cut or polished to bring out its optical effect as much as possible.
Lab-grown moonstone
Lab-grown moonstone plays virtually no role in the jewelry world. Most moonstones sold are natural.
Origin and Locations
Major sources of moonstone include Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Myanmar, and Tanzania.
Sri Lanka, in particular, is known for high-quality moonstones with a strong blue sheen. India also produces many moonstones with a gray, peach-colored, or more subtle sheen.
Care
Moonstone requires a little more care than harder gemstones such as sapphire or diamond.
It is best to clean the stone with lukewarm water, a soft cloth or a soft brush, and a little mild soap. Avoid hard impacts, and it is best not to wear moonstone jewelry while doing heavy work, exercising, or engaging in other activities where the stone could easily be damaged.
For rings worn every day, it’s a good idea to have the setting checked regularly.
Summary
Moonstone is a beloved gemstone known for its soft luster and unique play of light. Thanks to its variety of colors and unique appearance, every stone is slightly different. Although moonstone requires a bit more care than harder gemstones, it remains a wonderful choice for anyone looking for a piece of jewelry with a natural and dreamy look.
Looking for more information about other gemstones? Check out the complete gemstone guide for an overview of all gemstones and their properties.