Facts
SPECIES/GROUP : Feldspar
CLASSIFICATION : Gemstone
Name
The name is inspired by the gemstone’s light effect, reminiscent of moonlight shining through clouds.
Sources
Major deposits are found in India and Sri Lanka.
PROCESSING
Moonstone is not modified in any way other than cutting and polishing.
APPEARANCE
Various colours, all displaying a light effect called adularescence, which is unique to feldspars. Pandora uses grey moonstone.
CARE RECOMMENDATIONS
Wear moonstones with care, avoid rough handling and when not being worn, store items of jewellery separately to avoid scratches. Clean with warm, soapy water and gentle brushing.
Durability
Moonstone has a hardness of 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. However, it has poor toughness due to cleavage in two directions and is susceptible to damage from ultrasonic cleaning. It is not recommended to expose a moonstone to ultrasonic cleaning.