What Is Moonstone

About the Stone

Moonstone belongs to the feldspar group. Its signature is adularescence (the schiller effect) — a blue-white light that floats within the clear stone, born as thin internal layers scatter light. A natural optical phenomenon.

Shifting with the angle, the glow looks like moonlight from deep inside. No two stones are alike.

History & Legend

History & Legend

In ancient Rome it was believed to be "solidified moonlight," offered to the moon goddess Luna. In India it was revered as "Chandrakanta" (the moon stone).

In the Art Nouveau era, artists like Lalique embraced it. Its dreamlike blue-white glow has captivated people across the ages.

Meaning & Symbolism

Meaning & Symbolism

Moonstone has long been the "stone of new beginnings." Like the waxing and waning moon, it symbolizes change, renewal and growth, and is chosen when stepping into something new. It also carries a history as a traveler's talisman, and is seen as a symbol of intuition and femininity.

Birthstone & Zodiac

Birthstone & Zodiac

Moonstone is a June birthstone (alongside pearl and alexandrite). Closely tied to Cancer — ruled by the moon — it is chosen as a gift for those born in June.

The Truth About "Rainbow Moonstone"

Good to Know

Much of what's sold as "rainbow moonstone" is, in fact, not true moonstone (orthoclase, a potassium feldspar) but white to transparent labradorite. Both are feldspars, but different mineral species. GIA describes it as a type of labradorite, accepted as a gem in its own right — yet it's often not disclosed clearly, and many buyers don't realize the difference.

The clue is the glow. True moonstone shows a soft white-to-blue light (adularescence), while labradorite shows strong rainbow flashes of blue, green and orange (labradorescence).