Hecatolite 101: A Guide to the Different Types of Moonstone

Hecatolite 101: A Guide to the Different Types of Moonstone

Romans believed moonstone formed from frozen moonlight. All types of moonstone are undoubtedly pretty. Learn more about them in this complete guide.

Keyword(s): types of moonstone

Moonstone is an incredibly popular type of stone that's used in many types of jewelry. It's had an interesting history, with some ancient cultures believing that the stone was made from moonbeams. The soft color and vibrant luminosity result in an amazing glow as if the stone was carved directly from the moon's surface.  

There are many types of moonstone that come in various colors and sheens. Each type has its own specific set of qualities and characteristics. 

This article will go over the different types of moonstone, so you can learn more about this ancient and beautiful stone. 

What Is Moonstone?

Part of the feldspars mineral family, moonstone is an opalescent stone that is found in a variety of colors. The clarity of the stones ranges from opaque to transparent. Moonstone is also one of June's birthstones and was one of the first ones established in 1912. 

The way moonstone plays with the light is called adularescence. That's caused by how the light refracts when it hits the different layers of albite and orthoclase inside of the stone. That process gives the stone the appearance of having floating light inside of it. 

There are many different types and colors of moonstone. Let's explore some of the most popular types. 

Blue Moonstone

Blue moonstone has a transparent and crystal clear surface. Its surface makes it easy for you to see the floating blue color inside. The bold blue color is one of the most popular types of moonstone. 

The best and largest stones come from Burma. However, over the years, finding good blue moonstones has become more difficult. This has resulted in the price of blue moonstones going up. 

Blue moonstone has a lot of different layers. Jewelers have to be careful when working with it since it's so brittle it can break when put under pressure.  

Some believe that blue moonstones have healing energies. It's also thought that the stone promotes inner vision and mental clarity. It keeps the person in contact with the stone focused and aware to their surroundings. 

Rainbow Moonstone

Rainbow moonstone has a patchy, milk look due to the empty orthoclastic textures and inclusions. The reflection of the different inclusions and layers results in a rainbow effect when light hits it. Rainbow moonstones are commonly used in silver moonstone jewelry. 

You'll usually find a rainbow moonstone as a creamy, white stone with random painted or iridescent flashes. These flashes range from semitranslucent to opaque. 

This form of moonstone is ideal for seeing different colors in natural lighting. Rainbow moonstone can be found in many parts of the world, including:

• Russia
• Sri Lanka
• China
• India
• Malagasy
• Australia 

It's also typically found in small amounts. 

Rainbow moonstone is thought to have healing properties. It connects to your mental state and emotions, protecting you from negative influences. It's also thought by some to have protective properties. 

Pink Moonstone

Pink moonstone doesn't encompass only the shade of pink. Its hue includes pops of color from peach to honey to beige. 

The stone's shine is white and often has the appearance of a star or cat's eye on its surface. Pink moonstone is often commonly used for painted bead columns. 

Pink or peach moonstones are believed to help people rekindle their inner passion. It works to stimulate their mind, bring out the best in people, and fight their anxiety. Some people also believe that it helps calm anger and depression. 

Green Moonstone

Green moonstone isn't as common as blue or rainbow moonstones but still is very visually appealing. It appears slightly transparent or white, with a light yellow-green color budding underneath. 

Silver Moonstone

Silver moonstone is translucent and appears grey and silver in color. Some also refer to it as the "Stone of the New Moon" since they believe it has the powers and secrets of each new moon cycle. 

Others believe that the stone brings with it a sense of calm. They also think that it awakens an intuitive and reflective power during the full moon. This could help people ease their frustration. 

Others believe that silver moonstone helps treat insomnia. They'll place a silver moonstone under their pillow, believing it will give them a more restful night's sleep. 

White Moonstone 

White moonstone has a watery and soft opacity and is silvery-white in color.  This type of stone is considered one of the favorite materials when working with both silver and gold jewelry in ancient India. 

Some believe that white moonstone embodies the new moon's energy when at its peak. They also think that it stimulates psychic visions, dreamwork, and perception. Some people think that it can help heighten a person's emotions. 

In ancient cultures, white moonstone was an incredibly valued talisman. It was used to develop intuition and attract luck. People would wear the stone to feel calm during difficult changes in their lives. 

Are Labradorite and Moonstone the Same Thing?

Some jewelers and jewelry retailers use the terms labradorite and moonstone interchangeably, but they're not the same. Labradorite is also part of the feldspar family and is formed in basalt, norite, and gabbro formations. 

Some labradorite stones have the schiller effect. The schiller effect happens when the light scintillates in various ways because of the structure on the inside of the crystal. It's not the same type of light effect that moonstone has. 

Moonstones refract less light than labradorite does. Labradorite is a bit more common than moonstone and is, therefore, less expensive. 

The most common difference between the two is their colors. Moonstone comes in a variety of sheens but will typically display one color. Labradorite displays a full range of colors. 

Explore the Different Types of Moonstone

With so many types of moonstone available, it's fun to explore the different shades to find your favorites. Due to their delicate nature, moonstone jewelry pairs well with any outfit and occasion. 

Shop our full collection of moonstone jewelry today.