What is Moonstone?

Moonstone crystals are members of the Feldspar mineral family. They are formed when two minerals called Orthoclase and Albite intermingle. Later on, the magma with the newly made mineral mass cools and alternating layers are formed. These thin layers scatter the light and produce the effect called adularescence which shows up as an opalescent glow on the crystal’s surface. The light also seems like it is in motion if you change the viewing angle of the piece. This can sometimes be a small flash spot, or an overall shimmer.

Moonstone is a silicate mineral. It’s hardness on the Mohs scale is 6 which makes it a sturdy crystal, but it still isn’t amongst the hardest ones. It also has the typical uneven to conchoidal fracture point when the mineral cracks.

Where does moonstone come from?

Moonstone crystals are found in Sri Lanka, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, Madagascar, the USA and other countries you can see below. However, the most colorful versions of this crystal come from India. 

What does Moonstone look like?

Rainbow moonstone is an opaque, glassy, smooth stone that is easily identified by its glow.  The raw stone is most often found in a pearly milky white color and may have spots of black and tan throughout. Moonstone can also be green, orange, pink, brown, purple, gray, or yellow but these types are not as common. It is more common to find a moonstone with flashes of blue, sometimes a subtle rainbow flash.

The moonstone crystal has a distinctive opal-like feature that appears to glow and change color at different angles. This stone has a sleek texture that polishes up beautifully into spheres or other shapes. The stone has clean and reflective breaks with smooth sides and usually has many inclusions.

Moonstone’s glow or opal-lik look is called adularescence. Adularescence happens when light falls between the stone’s thin, flat layers and scatters in many directions throughout, resulting in a unique rainbow sheen. No matter what variety of Moonstone you choose, it will definitely be beautiful to look at!

Moonstone Meaning

Moonstone is considered to be a talisman for travelers because it provides safe journeys with no accidents or losses. Another popular benefit is the ability to bring fortune by giving you heaps of new business ideas. It’s also the perfect crystal if you’re craving emotional balance especially in the midst of new beginnings. It connects to the Heart Chakra so it increases the nurturing feminine energy around you that will alleviate any overwhelm you might be feeling. The stone is also connected to two other important chakras such as the Third Eye Chakra and the Crown Chakra. This will strengthen your intuition which promotes you to receive important wisdom and guidance. 

This beautiful glowing stone is said to be linked to the energy of the moon and using moonstone (especially at night) will channel moonbeams to shine light onto your pathway to harmony and balance. This stone is also believed to raise your vibration and uplift your spirit. 

It is often associated with feminine energy, and is a great gift for expecting mothers or those who are trying to conceive.

How to Use Moonstone

Moonstones are a delicate jewelry option that will bring you the nurturing and stability you to best absorb this energy. You can also receive numerous benefits from this crystal by placing Moonstone freeforms and spheres around your space according to Feng Shui. If you need to balance feminine emotions, place it in the “kun” position of your bedroom and if you’re searching for creativity and more money the best place for it is on your office desk! You may also want to add Moonstone to your collection if you’re a Libra as it will perfectly balance you out!

More About Moonstone

Moonstone is a semiprecious gem that is placed in the feldspar category because it is a combination of aluminum and potassium silica which are both types of feldspars.  It falls as a 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness.

Moonstone Localities: Brazil, Germany, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and the United States.

Chakra: Crown

Birthstone: Alternative for June