Moonstone Gemstone Beads

Frequently asked questions

• What is adularescence and why does moonstone show it?

  Adularescence is the soft floating sheen that defines moonstone — a band of light that appears to glide across the bead as it rotates. The effect is produced by light scattering off thin alternating layers of two feldspar species within the stone; as the bead's angle shifts, the layer geometry shifts and the sheen appears to move. The sheen is strongest in blue moonstone and rainbow moonstone, subtler in peach and pink, and sometimes absent in lower-grade white moonstone.
• Is rainbow moonstone real moonstone?

  Rainbow moonstone is the well-established trade name for material that shows multi-color floating flash — blue, gold, sometimes pink and violet — across a near-translucent white body, sourced principally from India and Madagascar. It sits in the feldspar family alongside classical moonstone, shares the same Mohs hardness (6–6.5), and takes the same care. Designers searching for rainbow moonstone are buying the multi-color flash; the trade name is the right name for the stone.
• Is moonstone dyed?

  The 155 active moonstone strands in Dakota's catalog are sold natural — the muted body colors (white, peach, blue, gray, pink, tan) and the adularescent sheen are intrinsic to the rough, not added in processing. Bright candy-color moonstone in the broader market (electric blue, vivid green, magenta) is a dye signal; natural moonstone's palette is muted and the sheen does the visual work. Treatment should be disclosed — confirm before buying if a strand doesn't specify.
• How durable is moonstone for daily wear?

  Moonstone is Mohs 6–6.5 with distinct cleavage planes, which makes it more fragile than its hardness number suggests. It is well-suited for necklaces, bracelets, and earrings; usable in rings if the design protects the stone (bezel settings preferred over prong). Avoid impact, avoid ultrasonic cleaning, avoid steam. Clean with a soft cloth and mild soap. The care profile sits closer to opal and labradorite than to the chalcedony family.
• What sizes does Dakota carry?

  Active moonstone inventory centers on 8mm rounds (36 strands) and 6mm rounds (24 strands), with 10mm (16), 4mm (14), 7mm (5), and 5mm (5) also stocked. Round is the dominant cut; faceted and rondelle variants appear in select sizes and palettes. Full size and cut availability is filterable in the grid; designers replenishing an existing design can confirm exact strand specifications on each listing.