Moonstone vs Rainbow Moonstone: 3 Surprising Differences

Moonstone and rainbow moonstone are two beautiful and popular gemstones that are often confused with each other. However, there are actually several key differences between the two stones. They may be close in mineral composition, but you'd be surpised to know that they are two distinct and different gems.

Mineralogy: The Basics

Moonstone is a type of feldspar that exhibits a pearly or opalescent sheen. This sheen is caused by the presence of tiny inclusions of albite and orthoclase feldspar. Moonstone is typically white or colorless, but it can also be found in shades of pink, green, yellow, or blue.

Rainbow moonstone is a variety of plagioclase feldspar that exhibits a play of color. This play of color is caused by the presence of tiny inclusions of goethite and hematite. Rainbow moonstone is typically colorless or white, but it can also be found in shades of blue, green, yellow, or pink.

Appearance: The Visual Appeal

Moonstone has a pearly or opalescent sheen, while rainbow moonstone has a play of color. This is the most obvious difference between the two stones. Moonstone's sheen is caused by the presence of tiny inclusions of albite and orthoclase feldspar, while rainbow moonstone's play of color is caused by the presence of tiny inclusions of goethite and hematite.

Moonstone is typically white or colorless, but it can also be found in shades of pink, green, yellow, or blue. Rainbow moonstone is typically colorless or white, but it can also be found in shades of blue, green, yellow, or pink.

Properties: The Inner Details

Moonstone is a relatively soft stone, with a Mohs hardness of 6-6.5. This means that it can be easily scratched or damaged. Rainbow moonstone is a slightly harder stone, with a Mohs hardness of 6.5-7. This means that it is more resistant to scratching and damage than moonstone.

Moonstone is a transparent to translucent stone, while rainbow moonstone is typically opaque. This means that moonstone can allow light to pass through it, while rainbow moonstone does not.

Metaphysical Properties: Spiritual Insights

Moonstone is said to be a stone of new beginnings and emotional balance. It is also said to promote intuition and psychic abilities. Rainbow moonstone is said to be a stone of hope and optimism. It is also said to promote creativity and imagination.

Price: How Much to Shell Out

Moonstone is a relatively affordable stone, with prices ranging from $10 to $50 per carat. Rainbow moonstone is a slightly more expensive stone, with prices ranging from $20 to $100 per carat. The price of both stones will vary depending on the quality of the stone, the size of the stone, and the jeweler who is selling the stone.