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.

Moonstone

Colored Moonstone tumbled

A variety of Microcline

Easy to obtain

Moonstone specimen - rock identification

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

Rarity

2.0out of 5.0

40%

Popularity

4.0out of 5.0

80%

Beauty

4.0out of 5.0

80%

Cultural Value

3.5out of 5.0

70%

Collection Value

3.8out of 5.0

76%

Moonstone Market Value Calculator

Estimate the market value of Moonstone using size, quality, and finish. This preview calculator is for quick context and is not a formal appraisal.

Moonstone Localities Map

See where Moonstone is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.

Map preview

North ZoneCentral RidgeSouth Basin

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.