Moonstone
Colored Moonstone tumbled
A variety of Microcline
What is Moonstone?
Moonstone is a popular commercial name for any Moonstone that features a color other than white. Moonstone comes in several colors and it's prized for the "unearthly" shine particularly emphasized in cabochon cuts. Its multicolored variety, also known as Rainbow Moonstone, is made from the material mined in Sri Lanka and Southern India.
Uses & Applications
Moonstone is highly valued in jewelry, particularly for cabochons and beads that showcase its adularescence. Used in rings, pendants, and earrings. Also carved into cameos and decorative objects.
Healing Properties
Believed to enhance intuition, promote inspiration, and bring success in love and business. Thought to calm emotions, reduce stress, and aid in decision-making. Associated with fertility and childbirth.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.518-1.526
- Pleochroism
- None
- Optical Character
- Biaxial negative
- Dispersion
- 0.012
Discover Values
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Moonstone before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Moonstone Localities Map
See where Moonstone is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
The Meaning
Associated with lunar deities and feminine energy across cultures. Romans believed it was formed from moonbeams. Considered a stone of new beginnings, inner growth, and intuition. Traditional birthstone for June.
Geochemistry
Forms through slow cooling of feldspar-rich magmas, creating alternating layers of orthoclase and albite that produce the characteristic adularescent optical effect.
Associated Chakras
More Images
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Colorless, white, gray, yellow, orange, green, pink, brown, blue
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 6-6.5
- Density
- 2.5-2.6 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Crystal System
- Monoclinic
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- (K,Na)AlSi3O8
- Elements
- K, Na, Al, Si, O
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Moonstone FAQs
How do I identify Moonstone?
Moonstone can be identified by its hardness of 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale, Colorless color, Vitreous luster, Monoclinic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Moonstone?
Moonstone typically appears in Colorless, white, gray, yellow, orange, green, pink, brown, blue. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Moonstone?
Moonstone has a hardness of 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.
