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Moonstone

Photo: Didier Descouens / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Moonstone

Also known as: Adularia, rainbow moonstone

Feldspar with a floating blue-white glow, June's birthstone and a stone of the moon in many cultures.

  • ColourWhite, Peach, Grey, Rainbow flash
  • Mineral groupFeldspar (orthoclase / adularia)
  • ChemistryKAlSi₃O₈
  • Hardness (Mohs)6–6.5
  • Crystal systemMonoclinic
  • Where it's foundSri Lanka, India, Myanmar, Madagascar
  • ChakraSacral, Crown
  • ZodiacCancer, Libra, Scorpio
  • BirthstoneJune

What is Moonstone?

Moonstone is a feldspar made of microscopic alternating layers of orthoclase and albite. Light scattering between these layers creates the soft floating glow called adularescence. The classic sources are Sri Lanka and India.

The stone sold as "rainbow moonstone" is technically a white labradorite (a different feldspar) with a colourful sheen. Romans believed moonstone was formed from moonlight, and moonstone was a favourite of Art Nouveau jewellers.

Moonstone astrology & birthstone

Zodiac, planet and element links come from crystal-lore traditions and vary between authors. Birthstone months follow the American Gem Society list.

Moonstone meaning & traditional properties

Moonstone is associated with intuition, new beginnings and cycles – the stone of the moon. It is a birthstone for June, alongside pearl and alexandrite.

  • Intuition
  • New beginnings
  • Calm

Traditional and metaphysical properties are shared for cultural and educational interest. Crystals are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

How to use Moonstone

  • Wear moonstone as your June birthstone.
  • Keep a piece on your windowsill during the full moon, following crystal tradition.

How to care for Moonstone

Moonstone has cleavage and can crack. Avoid knocks, heat, ultrasonic and steam cleaners. Clean with warm soapy water.

Shop Moonstone

Hand-picked moonstone crystals and jewellery from our Paralimni workshop.

Rituals & pairings

Pair Moonstone with a intuition & meditation ritual

A quiet meditation ritual for focus, intuition and clarity.

Traditionally paired with: Frankincense, myrrh, lotus or copal incense · A purple or white candle · Sage to clear the space

  • Clear the room with a little sage smoke and sit comfortably.
  • Light a purple or white candle and frankincense, lotus or copal incense.
  • Hold your crystal or rest it in front of you and breathe slowly for 5–10 minutes.
  • Note down any ideas or feelings that come up.

Safety: never leave candles, incense or smudge sticks burning unattended, keep them away from children, pets and anything flammable, and ventilate the room. Rituals are shared as tradition, not as a treatment.

Ritual oils, essential oils & perfumes

Deepen your practice: tarot & oracle cards

Wear it & work with it

Moonstone jewellery & pendulums

Moonstone FAQs

What is rainbow moonstone?

It's a white labradorite feldspar with a colourful sheen – related to moonstone but a different mineral.

What month is moonstone?

June, together with pearl and alexandrite.

Related crystals

  • Pearl

    Pearl

    The only gem made by a living creature – June's birthstone, treasured for its soft glow.

  • Labradorite
    In our shop

    Labradorite

    Grey feldspar that flashes blue, green and gold – the 'northern lights' stone of transformation and intuition.

  • Selenite
    In our shop

    Selenite

    Luminous gypsum named after the moon – a cleansing stone in crystal lore that must be kept away from water.

  • Sunstone
    In our shop

    Sunstone

    Glittering orange feldspar that sparkles like sunlight – a crystal lore stone of joy and confidence.

Sources