gemstone

Aquamarine and Moonstone

Beryl (Be3Al2Si6O18) and Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)

Hardness: 7.5-8 (Aquamarine), 6-6.5 (Moonstone). Color: Pale blue and milky white. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Hexagonal (Aquamarine), Monoclinic (Moonstone).

Hardness: 7
Color: Pale blue and milky white
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified July 20, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7.5-8 (Aquamarine), 6-6.5 (Moonstone). Color: Pale blue and milky white. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Hexagonal (Aquamarine), Monoclinic (Moonstone).

Formation & geological history

Aquamarine forms in pegmatites through hydrothermal processes. Moonstone is a variety of feldspar that forms through the intergrowth of orthoclase and albite during cooling of magma.

Uses & applications

Primary use is in jewelry as beads and focal stones. Generally collected for aesthetic and metaphysical purposes.

Geological facts

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March and its name comes from the Latin 'aqua marina' meaning sea water. Moonstone is famous for 'adularescence' which is the glow that appears to billow across the stone.

Field identification & locations

Identify by checking for a cool touch, specific hardness, and the characteristic schiller effect in the moonstone beads and the crystalline structure within the blue aquamarine slab.

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