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Moonstone is the most well-known gemstone of the feldspar group. Named for its glowing color sheen that resembles the
moonlight, Moonstone can
belong to several different members of the feldspar group, especially
Orthoclase and Oligoclase.
Moonstone displays a unique play of color known as adularescence. This
effect is in the form of a moving floating light or sheen. This
phenomenon is caused by structural anomalies within the crystal
formation. |
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Chemical Formula |
Plagioclase Feldspars: (Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8
Orthoclase Feldspar: KAlSi3O8 |
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Color |
White, Colorless, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Brown, Pink, Purple, Gray |
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Hardness |
6 - 6.5 |
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Crystal System |
Click here for information on the Crystallization of Feldspar Minerals. |
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Refractive Index |
1.518 - 1.526 |
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SG |
2.56 - 2.62 |
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Transparency |
Transparent to translucent |
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Double Refraction |
-.0005 |
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Luster |
Pearly |
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Cleavage |
2,1 - basal ; 2,1 - prismatic ; 3,1 - pinacoidal |
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Mineral Class |
Orthoclase, Oligoclase, and other members of the feldspar group |
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Moonstone is a fairly abundant and inexpensive gemstone.
In addition to its mysterious glow effect, Moonstone often displays a cats eye effect, and the band of light may float upon movement of the stone. Asterism in the form of four-rayed stars also exist, but are less common.
Greater transparency in Moonstone is more desirable, and the more transparency it has, the more valuable it is. The color of the stone also has an impact on its value. Moonstones with a bluish color sheen are very much in demand and are more valuable then the other types. Care should be handled
with Moonstone as it is sensitive to pressure and can easily crack or
chip.
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Moonstone is an affordable gemstone that is well known since ancient times. It is polished as cabochons and used as beads and pendants. In some societies it is sewn into garments as a charm.
Moonstone, along with Pearl, is the birthstone of June.
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Moonstone gemstones are not treated or enhanced.
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Important deposits of Moonstone exist in India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar (Burma), Australia, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Brazil.
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Moonstone has a distinct appearance and it is difficult to confuse with other gemstones. Reddish and brownish Moonstone can look similar to Carnelian but Carnelian lacks the color effect of Moonstone.
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Have a question about Moonstone? Visit our Q&A Community and ask the experts!
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