mineral
Moonstone
Orthoclase (KAlSi3O8)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: colorless, white, gray, yellow, orange, peach, pink, green, blue. Luster: vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: monoclinic. Cleavage: perfect in two directions.
- Hardness
- 6-6
- Luster
- vitreous to pearly
Identified More mineral →
Explore Moonstone in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale. Color: colorless, white, gray, yellow, orange, peach, pink, green, blue. Luster: vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: monoclinic. Cleavage: perfect in two directions.
Formation & geological history
Forms in igneous rocks like pegmatites and granites, as well as some metamorphic rocks.
Uses & applications
Mainly used as a gemstone in jewelry.
Geological facts
Known for its adularescence, a floating play of light. It has been used in jewelry for centuries, especially during the Art Nouveau period.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic adularescence and hardness. Found in Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Myanmar, and the USA.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary