Feldspar · Mohs 6–6.5
Moonstone: Identification, Meaning & Care
Moonstone is a feldspar variety valued for adularescence, a floating light effect caused by internal intergrowths.
Moonstone properties
- Formula
- KAlSi₃O₈ / NaAlSi₃O₈
- Mineral group
- Feldspar
- Mohs hardness
- 6–6.5
- Color
- Colorless, white, peach, gray, or green
- Transparency
- Transparent to translucent
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
- Cleavage / fracture
- Perfect in two directions
How to identify Moonstone
- A soft billowing glow moves beneath the surface.
- The flash is broad rather than a narrow cat-eye line.
- Cleavage makes rings and sharp impacts a concern.
Moonstone care
Water
Brief contact is usually tolerated; avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaning.
Light & heat
Generally stable under normal indoor conditions.
Storage
Store separately from harder materials and cushion sharp edges, points, or cleavage-prone faces.
Traditional meaning
Associated with intuition and new beginnings in several modern traditions.
Traditional symbolism is presented as cultural history or personal practice, not as a scientific or medical claim.
Sources & further checking
- Mindat mineral database
- GIA Gem Encyclopedia
- RRUFF mineral database
- International Mineralogical Association
See our full methodology.