Frequently asked questions

• Is moonstone a single mineral, or are there different varieties?

  Moonstone is the trade name for adularescent orthoclase-albite feldspar — a layered microstructure scatters light to create the floating sheen called adularescence. Several varieties show up in the bead trade: classic white moonstone with blue or silver sheen, peach moonstone, gray moonstone, and rainbow moonstone (which is technically adularescent labradorite, a related feldspar). Body color, sheen color, and transparency vary by deposit. The specific variety and origin should be disclosed — ask before buying if it isn't specified, since visual character differs meaningfully between, say, Indian rainbow moonstone and Sri Lankan blue-sheen material.
• How durable is moonstone for everyday jewelry?

  Moonstone sits at Mohs 6–6.5, which is workable but softer than quartz (7) and well below sapphire. The bigger concern is perfect cleavage in two directions — sharp impacts can chip or split beads along internal planes, even when the surface looks fine. That makes moonstone a strong fit for earrings, pendants, and necklaces, and acceptable for bracelets that aren't worn during manual work. Avoid ring designs that take daily knocks. Skip ultrasonic and steam cleaners; clean finished pieces with mild soap, lukewarm water, and a soft cloth, then dry fully before storage.
• Is moonstone typically treated?

  Moonstone in the bead trade is generally untreated — the adularescence is a structural optical effect, not a color that responds to enhancement. You may occasionally see surface coatings or backings used to deepen sheen on cabochons, but those are rare in drilled bead form. Some peach or gray material is sold as-mined with no enhancement. If a strand has been dyed, stabilized, or coated — ask before buying if it isn't specified. Rainbow moonstone, despite the name, is also typically natural and gets its multicolored flash from the same layered feldspar structure.
• What gets confused with moonstone in the bead trade?

  Labradorite is the closest relative — same feldspar family, but with broader color flash (labradorescence) across blue, green, gold, and purple rather than moonstone's softer floating sheen. Rainbow moonstone is actually a labradorite variety sold under the moonstone name for its white body and multicolored adularescence. Sunstone, another feldspar, shows metallic aventurescence from copper or hematite inclusions rather than a sheen. Opalite and white chalcedony sometimes get mislabeled as moonstone but lack the directional adularescence — tilt a real moonstone bead under light and the sheen shifts across the surface.
• What designs work best with moonstone beads?

  Moonstone's cool sheen pairs naturally with sterling silver, white gold, and rhodium-plated findings; warmer peach varieties work well with rose gold and brass. The adularescence reads best on rounded cuts — smooth rounds, rondelles, and teardrops let light catch the layered structure as the wearer moves. Faceted cuts add sparkle but can mute the floating sheen on smaller beads. Smaller sizes (4–6mm) suit delicate layering pieces and bridal work; 8–10mm rounds anchor statement strands. Moonstone also bridges well with labradorite, white pearl, aquamarine, blue chalcedony, and rainbow moonstone for tonal palettes.