Moonstone Varieties & the Mystery of Adularescence: Nature’s Lunar Lightshow

Few gemstones capture the imagination quite like moonstone. With its soft, glowing light that seems to float just beneath the surface, it’s no surprise this stone has long been associated with the moon, intuition, and inner magic. But what gives moonstone that unmistakable shimmer—and how do the different varieties compare?

In this post, we’ll explore the various types of moonstone and uncover the science behind its signature glow, known as adularescence.

What is Adularescence?

Adularescence is the optical phenomenon that gives moonstone its ghostly sheen—a soft glow that appears to move under the surface as the stone is turned.

This effect is caused by the internal structure of moonstone. It’s made up of alternating layers of two feldspar minerals: orthoclase and albite. When light enters the stone, it scatters between these microscopic layers, reflecting back a billowy light, usually blue or white.

The thinner the layers, the bluer and more intense the adularescence.
Thicker layers tend to produce whiter or creamier glows.

This shimmering play of light is what gives moonstone its dreamy, almost magical appearance—like moonlight captured in stone.

Varieties of Moonstone

There are several types of moonstone, each with unique colors, compositions, and degrees of adularescence. Here's a breakdown of the most common varieties:

Blue Moonstone

This is the classic and most sought-after variety, especially the high-quality, transparent stones from Sri Lanka. It shows a striking blue adularescence floating over a colorless or slightly milky background.

Color: Clear to milky with bright blue glow
Adularescence: Strong, vivid blue
Origin: Sri Lanka, Myanmar
Best for: Intuition, emotional clarity, and spiritual focus

Rainbow Moonstone

Technically a variety of labradorite, not true moonstone, but often sold as one due to its similar visual effect. Rainbow moonstone displays flashes of multiple colors—blue, purple, green, even gold—when rotated in the light.

Color: White or transparent with multicolored flashes
Adularescence: Iridescent, rainbow-like
Origin: India, Madagascar
Best for: Creativity, energy alignment, protection

White Moonstone

This version features a milky, pearlescent surface and a soft, silvery glow. While the adularescence is gentler, it still carries the calming, nurturing energy moonstone is known for.

Color: Opaque white with silvery shimmer
Adularescence: Subtle, white or silver
Origin: India
Best for: Emotional balance, new beginnings

Green Moonstone

Green moonstone is a variety of orthoclase feldspar, just like other true moonstones. Its color ranges from pale mint green to olive or even smoky gray-green, often with a subtle white or silvery adularescence. Some stones may have hints of beige or cream, giving them a mossy or earthy appearance.

It’s sometimes confused with prasiolite (green quartz) or aventurine, but green moonstone has a distinct soft glow and a silky or satiny texture when polished.

Color: Light green, olive, mossy green, sometimes with gray or brown undertones
Adularescence: Usually soft white or silver; not as vivid as blue moonstone
Texture: Smooth, often translucent to opaque
Cut: Commonly cut en cabochon to emphasize the shimmer

Peach Moonstone

Warm and comforting, this variety comes in shades of peach, tan, or light orange. The shimmer is subtle, but the energy is said to help with self-love and emotional healing.

Color: Peach or orange tones
Adularescence: Gentle, creamy shimmer
Origin: India, Madagascar
Best for: Emotional support, warmth, personal growth

Cat’s Eye Moonstone

Rare and intriguing, this type displays chatoyancy—a bright band of light that moves across the surface, like the slit of a cat’s eye. It occurs when the internal layers are more fibrous or needle-like.

Color: Often gray, beige, or brown
Effect: Cat’s eye effect (chatoyancy) instead of traditional adularescence
Origin: Sri Lanka, India
Best for: Focus, protection, awareness

Tips for Buying Moonstone

Look for stones with strong, centralized adularescence.
The clearer the base and the more vivid the glow, the higher the quality.
Be cautious of imitations—glass or synthetic stones sometimes mimic moonstone but lack its layered structure and true shimmer.

Beyond its beauty, moonstone is rich in symbolism. In many cultures, it’s considered a sacred gem that connects us to lunar energy, divine femininity, and the cycles of nature. Whether worn as jewelry, used in rituals, or kept as a talisman, moonstone serves as a gentle reminder to trust your intuition and move with the tides of life. Moonstone is one of nature’s most poetic gems—a reminder that light, when scattered through layers of experience, can still create beauty.