Rainbow Moonstone

What it actually is

The blue shimmer has a name: adularescence. Light enters the stone, hits microscopically thin layers of two feldspars stacked inside it, and scatters back out. Because the effect depends entirely on the angle between the light, the stone and your eye, the flash moves as you move. Hold your hand still and it can disappear.

How it looks in different light

In direct sun the flash is sharp and blue and sits on the surface. In shade it softens into a milky glow across the whole stone. Under warm indoor light it can look almost plain until you tilt it. This is normal, and it is the reason moonstone is worth wearing rather than photographing.

Natural characteristics

No two moonstones flash the same way. Some show a narrow band of blue, some a broad sheen, some catch green and gold at the edges. Small internal feathers and a faint cloudiness are characteristic of the stone, not faults in it. The piece you receive will not be an exact match for the photograph.

Durability and care

At 6 to 6.5 moonstone is softer than quartz and will scratch against harder stones, so store it separately. It can also cleave if knocked hard against a surface. Warm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft cloth. Never an ultrasonic cleaner, and never steam.

The full care guide covers storage, cleaning and what to avoid across every stone we set.

Traditional associations

In crystal traditions Rainbow Moonstone is most often connected with intuition, new beginnings and calm. In Vedic astrology the stone is associated with Chandra, the Moon.

Wearing Rainbow Moonstone

We set Rainbow Moonstone in the Aperture Ring, the Crescent Pendant, the Crescent Stud, the Drishti Drop, the Halo Drop, the Infinity Stud, the Iris Pendant, the Oculus Cuff, the Petal Drop, the Strand Bracelet, the Triad Ring and the Wave Cuff. Against rhodium-finished silver it reads cool and recessive, which is the point: the metal holds the stone and gets out of the way.