Moonstone is a feldspar with a pearly bluish sheen ("adularescence"), of medium hardness (6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale), which tradition links to femininity, cycles and intuition. Delicate and luminous, it needs a little care. Here's what it is and how to wear it.
Moonstone is a variety of feldspar (often orthoclase or adularia). Its milky, bluish veil that seems to "float" beneath the surface is called adularescence. Its hardness (6 to 6.5) is moderate: it scratches and cleaves more easily than quartz. Shades range from white to grey, sometimes peach.
In crystal tradition, moonstone is linked to femininity, natural cycles and intuition. These virtues are traditions and beliefs: they are not scientifically demonstrated and replace no medical advice (see sources).
Choose a stone with a sharp, well-centred bluish veil. Its medium hardness makes it better suited to a pendant, earrings or a lightly used ring. Avoid knocks and daily wear on an active-hand ring. See our natural stone jewellery guide.
Lukewarm water and a soft cloth, no chemicals or ultrasonic cleaners (cleavage risk). Store it separately to avoid scratches.
Tradition links it to femininity, cycles and intuition. These virtues are beliefs, with no scientifically demonstrated effect, and replace no medical advice.
Of medium hardness (6 to 6.5) and prone to cleavage, it is more delicate than quartz. Prefer it in a pendant or earrings, and avoid knocks and ultrasonic cleaning.
This bluish veil, called adularescence, comes from light scattering between fine internal layers of the feldspar. It appears to move beneath the surface with the angle.
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