Types of Moonstone Explained: From Rainbow Moonstone to Classic Blue Sheen

Moonstone isn’t a single‑look gem, it’s an entire family of feldspars that flash everything from icy blue to warm peach and even midnight black. Below you’ll find a moonstone color chart in words, side‑by‑side descriptions for the most popular moonstone types, and quick ID tips so you can tell rainbow moonstone vs moonstone with traditional adularescence at a glance.

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What Does a Moonstone Look Like?

In its finest form moonstone is nearly colorless, transparent to translucent, and shows a floating, electric‑blue sheen called adularescence. Trace minerals, structural growth, or tiny plate‑like inclusions can shift that glow into other colors—or veil it in milky body tones—creating the different types of moonstone we see on the market today.

Moonstone Color Chart 

If you want lab data on birefringence, RI, and cleavage planes, see Gem Decoded: Moonstone

Classic or “Traditional” Moonstone Types

Blue (Ceylon) Moonstone

• Look: Glassy, near‑colorless body with an electric, centralized blue billow that glides as the stone moves.
  

• Source hot‑spots: Meetiyagoda, Sri Lanka; Southern India.
  

• Value notes: Top gems are over 90 % transparent, show vivid blue, and weigh 3–5 ct; prices can exceed $50 – $500 / ct.
  

White & Gray Moonstone

• Look: Opaque to translucent body, pearly white or dove gray, with soft misty glow.
  

• Best use: Boho beaded bracelets or moon‑themed pendants.
  

• Durability tip: At Mohs 6–6.5 and perfect cleavage, avoid prong‑heavy ring settings—use bezels or halos.

Warm‑Tone Varieties

Peach & Brown Moonstone

• Look: Pastel peach, sandy tan, or cinnamon bodies; sheen is cream or honey.
  

• Metaphysical vibe: Feminine energy, heart‑chakra balance.
  

• Styling: Rose gold bezel sets off the warmth.
  

Green Moonstone

• Look: Pistachio to mint body with soft, diffuse white glow.
  

• Rarity: Mined mainly in India and Madagascar in small cabochon sizes.
  

Dark & Chatoyant Types

Black Moonstone

• Look: Smoky to charcoal body, silvery glow; sometimes shows “shadow play” that rolls inside the stone.
  

• Design idea: Contrast with white pearls for lunar‑eclipse earrings.
  

Cat’s‑Eye Moonstone

• Look: Single white line that sweeps across the cabochon when rotated—caused by aligned needle inclusions.
  

• Cut: Always high‑dome cab; the sharper the line, the higher the value.
  

(Cat’s‑eye lovers: compare cleaning rules with our How to Tell if Malachite Is Real; both stones need gentle handling.)

Rainbow Moonstone vs “Regular” Moonstone

Collectors often lump both under “types of moonstone,” but gem labs will label rainbow moonstone as labradorite feldspar due to its chemistry.

Buying tip: For matched lots, confirm species on invoices; rainbow stones cost less per carat and have bolder flash that hides minor scratches—ideal for stacked rings or rough‑cut pendants.

Choosing the Right Moonstone for Your Design

1. Evaluate adularescence first. A strong, centered blue flash outranks sheer size for value.
   

2. Match body tones. In multi‑stone pieces, keep white moonstone with white, peach with peach, etc., to avoid visual discord.
   

3. Check for cracks. Yes, moonstones can crack easily—perfect cleavage means a single bump on a countertop can split a cab in two.
   

4. Set accordingly. Use full bezels for rings; prongs are fine for earrings or pendants.
   

5. Confirm treatments. Genuine moonstone is rarely treated, but polymer‑backed triplets exist; reputable sellers disclose.
   

Need a refresher on TLC? Our pillar post General Gemstone Care Guide outlines safest cleaners, storage hacks, and travel tips.

Ready to add lunar magic to your designs? Explore our  Rainbow Moonstone Collection for matched pairs, statement cabs, and wholesale parcels—or shop the rest of our catalog at the best place to buy loose gemstones online and build your next best‑selling line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What color is moonstone, really?
Ans: Anything from clear with blue sheen to white, gray, peach, green, or black. The sheen color and body tone together define the trade name.

Q2. Are rainbow moonstones real moonstones?
Ans: They’re real feldspar gems but belong to the labradorite side of the family. Jewelers accept them as a modern moonstone type because of the multi‑color flash.

Q3. Which moonstone type is most valuable?
Ans: Top‑grade, near‑transparent blue moonstone from Sri Lanka usually fetches the highest per‑carat prices.

Q4. Does the stone’s color change how I clean it?
Ans: No—whether rainbow or peach, stick to lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners can exploit cleavage and cause cracks.