Moonstone

Moonstone is a variety of feldspar, made up of very thin, alternating layers of two feldspar minerals, orthoclase and albite. When light enters the stone it is scattered between these layers, producing a soft, floating, silvery-blue glow that seems to move across the surface as the stone is turned. This effect is called adularescence, after adularia, an old name for the mineral.

Moonstone is most often colourless to milky white with a white or blue sheen, but it also comes in grey, peach, pink, green, brown and black. The most valued stones are transparent and colourless with a strong, vivid blue sheen. Moonstone is usually cut as smooth cabochons or beads, which show off the glow best. Some stones also show a cat's-eye effect or a four-rayed star.

"Rainbow moonstone" is the trade name for a transparent white labradorite (a related feldspar) that shows a blue or multicoloured sheen; it is technically a different mineral but is widely sold as moonstone. Most moonstone today comes from Sri Lanka and India, with other sources in Myanmar, Madagascar, Tanzania and the USA.

Moonstone was very popular in Roman jewellery and again in the Art Nouveau period around 1900, when designers such as Rene Lalique used it widely. Imitations include glass ("opalite") and synthetic spinel, which lack the true moving glow.

Moonstone at a glance

Caring for moonstone

Moonstone (6 – 6.5 on the Mohs scale) has perfect cleavage in two directions, so it can crack or chip if knocked. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Never use ultrasonic or steam cleaners, and avoid sudden temperature changes and high heat. Store it separately from harder gems in a soft pouch, and remove moonstone rings before heavy work.

In folklore

The beliefs below are traditional folklore, included for interest. They are not scientifically proven, and nothing here is medical advice.

The Romans believed moonstone was formed from frozen moonlight and that the image of the moon goddess Diana could be seen within it. In India it is considered sacred and is a traditional wedding gift, believed to bring love and good fortune; it is said that lovers who hold moonstone under a full moon will see their future. It was also thought to grant the gift of prophecy and to protect travellers at night. Moonstone is a birthstone for June, and is associated with the zodiac signs Cancer, Libra and Scorpio.

Moonstone is traditionally regarded as a stone of new beginnings, intuition and inner growth. Crystal healing lore holds that it soothes emotional stress, brings calm and balance, and enhances intuition and empathy. It has long been associated with the moon's cycles and with feminine energy, and is believed to support women's health and fertility. It is linked to the crown and third eye chakras.

Related stones

Rainbow moonstone (white labradorite), labradorite, sunstone, amazonite, orthoclase and albite (all feldspars). Stones that can look similar include opal, chalcedony, white jade, opalite glass and synthetic spinel.

For the technically minded

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