About Moonstone
What Is Moonstone?
The name moonstone gets used for all kinds of shiny, glowy rocks—but true moonstone comes only from the feldspar family of minerals. Real moonstones are either orthoclase or plagioclase feldspar, and they’re known for their soft, floating glow—called adularescence.
That shimmer happens when light scatters between layers of different feldspar minerals within the stone, creating a glow that seems to move just beneath the surface.
Types of True Moonstone
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Orthoclase Moonstone – Includes the silky peach and gray moonstones. These stones often show a gentle shimmer and can have a soft chatoyant (cat’s-eye) effect.
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Plagioclase Moonstone (a.k.a. Rainbow Moonstone) – Technically a variety of labradorite, this stone can display brilliant flashes of blue, teal, or rainbow colors over a translucent to clear body. These are some of the most popular and sought-after moonstones on the market.
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High-Grade Moonstone – The rarest and most valuable moonstones are clear with a vivid electric-blue flash that rolls across the surface. These are considered top gem quality.
Moonstone Fun Facts
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June's alternate birthstone, sharing the month with pearl and alexandrite
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Associated with intuition, femininity, and the lunar cycle across many cultures
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Traditionally sourced from India, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar
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Often used in Art Nouveau and vintage-style jewelry
We're currently exploring a feldspar deposit near our Oregon mining site, and early indications suggest it may hold lapidary-grade moonstone. We'll share updates as we learn more!
🔮 Click here to read more about Rainbow Moonstones
📚 Click here to read robust coverage on all moonstones from the GIA
🌙 Shop all our Moonstones and hold a shimmer carved from light.
