Moonstone Vs Rainbow Moonstone: What Is The Main Difference?

Moonstone is a feldspar mineral. It can come in many different shades, such as white, blue, gray, peach, and others. It is mined in Sri Lanka and South India.

 Moonstone is composed of orthoclase and a layer of albite. These components separate into two layers during the formation of the mineral. Therefore, the light that falls between these layers scatters and we see an amazing glow inside the stone. This amazing effect is called adularescence. The color of the glow can be different, such as blue, gray, or white.

It is also worth mentioning that the intensity and intensity of the adularescence vary depending on the layers in each stone. One stone will have more luminescence, while the other will hardly show it.

RAINBOW MOONSTONE 

Rainbow Moonstone deposits can be found in India and Madagascar. Rainbow Moonstone has a multicolored adularescence that resembles an iridescent glow. This is why it is called the Rainbow Moonstone. Although this mineral is not a moonstone, it is white labradorite. But as it happens, the trade name is confusing. However, the rainbow moonstone is also related to the moonstone, since they both belong to the feldspars.

It is worth mentioning that Moonstones, rainbow moonstones, and labradorites can look very similar in appearance; sometimes it is even hard to tell them apart.  

SOME JEWELRY IDEAS WITH MOONSTONES

MOONSTONE JEWELRY

Discover Lifelong Rainbow Moonstone Rings and Pendants 

SIMILARITIES BETWEEN RAINBOW MOONSTONE AND MOONSTONE

General Group
Both minerals are referred to as feldspars. Labradorite, sunstone, sanidine, and other minerals belong to the same group.

Hardness
Both Moonstone and Rainbow Moonstone have the same hardness - 6 - 6.5 out of 10 on the Mohs scale. Because of their insufficient hardness, we recommend keeping these stones separate from other, harder minerals.

Appearance
Sometimes it is very hard to tell the difference between a moonstone and an iridescent moonstone, especially for the inexperienced buyer. The two stones have similar shades and adularescence. Also, cutters usually make them into a cabochon shape to enhance the shine of the stone.

Metaphysical Properties
• Both stones have a powerful effect on a person's intuition. They even help manifest the ability to see the future. In ancient times, it was believed that if you hold a moonstone in your mouth during a full moon, you can see into the future.
• These minerals help to balance emotions and relieve stress.
• It is also worth noting that these stones help to activate the creative energy of a person.
• They help to find non-standard approaches to solving various situations.
• Both Moonstone and Rainbow Moonstone affect woman's energy.
• The stones help strengthen the energy and reveal each woman's personality.
• These two minerals affect the crown chakra, aiding in the development of consciousness and spirituality.

DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN RAINBOW MOONSTONE AND MOONSTONE

Composition
Although both stones are feldspars, they have different compositions. The moonstone consists of layers of orthoclase and albite, while the rainbow moonstone is plagioclase feldspar with a chemical composition of sodium, calcium, aluminum, silicon, and oxygen. This is the same chemical composition as labradorite. Therefore, rainbow moonstone is labradorite, and the word "moonstone" in the name is just a trading name.

 Appearance
Although these minerals are very similar, they do have their differences. The main difference is that the rainbow moonstone's adularescence includes many colors. Also, rainbow moonstone often contains inclusions of black tourmaline, which are visible when the stone is still untreated.

Moonstone and rainbow moonstone are minerals with special energy and properties. These stones attract not only by their beauty but also by their amazing energy. These minerals are similar, but at the same time different. Each of them has its special features and its mission.For clarity, we have made a table with the main similarities and differences between these minerals.

Read our article  Moonstone Meaning by Color - White, Silver, Blue, Peach, and More
Kindly note that healing gemstone meanings are not prescriptions or healthcare information.