mineral

Moonstone with Black Tourmaline

Feldspar (KAlSi3O8) with inclusions of Schorl (NaFe3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4)

Hardness: 6-6.5 (Moonstone), 7-7.5 (Tourmaline); Color: White/creamy with black inclusions; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Monoclinic/Triclinic (Feldspar) and Hexagonal (Tourmaline).

Hardness: 6-6
Color: White/creamy with black inclusions
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified June 8, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 6-6.5 (Moonstone), 7-7.5 (Tourmaline); Color: White/creamy with black inclusions; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Monoclinic/Triclinic (Feldspar) and Hexagonal (Tourmaline).

Formation & geological history

Forms in igneous and metamorphic environments, specifically in pegmatites where slow cooling allows large crystals of feldspar and tourmaline to grow together.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for ornamental purposes, jewelry (cabochons), and by mineral collectors for its metaphysical associations.

Geological facts

The 'Moonstone' here is usually a variety of white Labradorite or Orthoclase; when it contains black needle-like inclusions, it is often referred to as Black Tourmaline in Moonstone.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by looking for the 'adularescence' (blue/white sheen) of the feldspar combined with the distinct trigonal/hexagonal black prismatic tourmaline crystals. Found commonly in Madagascar and India.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Biotite Schist

Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]

metamorphic