Is rainbow moonstone actually labradorite?

It's known in the trade as rainbow moonstone, despite the fact that it's actually a variety of labradorite rather than orthoclase

orthoclase

Orthoclase, or orthoclase feldspar (endmember formula KAlSi₃O₈), is an important tectosilicate mineral which forms igneous rock. The name is from the Ancient Greek for "straight fracture," because its two cleavage planes are at right angles to each other. It is a type of potassium feldspar, also known as K-feldspar.

https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Orthoclase

Orthoclase - Wikipedia

. A variety of labradorite is sometimes called rainbow moonstone. Sanidine is another feldspar mineral that can include adularescent gems called moonstones.

What is the difference between rainbow moonstone and labradorite?

The big difference between the two stones is their color. Labradorite displays a wide range of colors. Rainbow Moonstone, on the other hand, displays a beautiful blue sheen. Other types of Moonstone also have a sheen but they usually display only one color.

Is labradorite and moonstone the same?

While they may look similar, labradorite stones and moonstones are not the same. They are, however, referred to as 'sister stones'. They are both members of the feldspar mineral family, but labradorite is classified as a plagioclase feldspar, while moonstone is an orthoclase felspar.

Is white labradorite the same as rainbow moonstone?

Rainbow Moonstone AKA White Labradorite

Rainbow Moonstone is more accurately known as Transparent or White Labradorite. Rainbow Moonstone is a plagioclase feldspar with the chemical composition of Na AlSi308 which is the very same chemical composition as Labradorite.

Are labradorite and moonstone in the same family?

The proper varietal moonstone is an orthoclase feldspar, so the labradorite feldspar's so-called variety "blue rainbow moonstone" isn't too far from the correct branch of the family tree.

Rainbow moonstone compared to Labradorite

Is rainbow moonstone real?

Rainbow moonstone is transparent labradorite, a closely related feldspar mineral with sheen in a variety of iridescent colors. Although it's technically not moonstone, it's similar enough that the trade has accepted it as a gem in its own right. Today some people prefer it to traditional moonstone.

Is moonstone and rainbow moonstone the same?

Moonstone is an orthoclase and albite mineral while Rainbow Moonstone is a form of Labradorite. Both of them can have various colors, ranging from different shades of green and blue to pink and white. While moonstone can be opaque, translucent or transparent, Rainbow Moonstone will always have a milky appearance.

Which is better moonstone or rainbow moonstone?

The main difference is that the rainbow moonstone's adularescence includes many colors. Also, rainbow moonstone often contains inclusions of black tourmaline, which are visible when the stone is still untreated. Moonstone and rainbow moonstone are minerals with special energy and properties.

How can you tell fake labradorite?

Fake labradorite can be identified by a hardness test. It is softer than the real one and can be scratched by a copper and steel needle. Fake labradorite glows in light-blue color under UV light. The backside of fake labradorite is usually a dense and opaque material of black color.

What type of gem is moonstone?

Moonstones are orthoclase feldspar gemstones with varying compositions, typically with alternating layers of orthoclase and albite.

Is it easy to fake labradorite?

To understand how to distinguish a natural stone from a fake, we have compiled for you the top 5 tips. It is worth noting that labradorite is quite difficult to fake. It's all about its color play - labradorescence.

Is purple labradorite real?

True purple flash in labradorite is very rare. Beautiful blue fade with 'shutter' effect. At different angles, what shows as blue now fades and the darker lines flash blue.

What is natural labradorite?

Labradorite ((Ca, Na)(Al, Si)₄O₈) is a calcium-enriched feldspar mineral first identified in Labrador, Canada, which can display an iridescent effect (schiller).

Is Rainbow Moonstone man made?

Rainbow Moonstone is actually not moonstone, but is a variety of Labradorite. It also has adularescence in a variety of colors---blues, pinks, yellows, purples, greens, reds----hence the name. Opalite is a man-made variety of glass.

Is Rainbow Moonstone quartz?

Rainbow Moonstone, also known as White Labradorite, is actually a variety of Labradorite that exhibits flashy colors and rainbows throughout. The name “Rainbow Moonstone” was coined by the lapidary and mineral communities to describe this stone, even though it's not an Orthoclase (Moonstone).

Can Rainbow Moonstone get wet?

While Rainbow Moonstones can get wet, they can also degrade if left in water for long periods of time. For this reason, they are not the type of stone that you should bank on being able to leave in the garden or on an outdoor patio.

How is Rainbow Moonstone formed?

At first, the two minerals are intermingled. Then, as the newly formed mineral cools, the intergrown orthoclase and albite separate into stacked, alternating layers. When light falls between these thin, flat layers, it scatters in many directions, producing the phenomenon called adularescence.

Is moonstone a real gem?

A: Moonstone is indeed a real gemstone, a member of the orthoclase feldspar family that also includes Labradorite and Sunstone, as well as Rainbow Moonstone and Amazonite. Moonstone is made of two minerals---orthoclase and albite---which form in stacked layers within the stone.

How can you tell if a moonstone is real?

Moonstones are known for their adularescence – a unique optical illusion that results in a milky, bluish luster or glow on the surface of the gem. To test this aspect of the jewel, place it under bright artificial light and view it from above. If you notice the blue/white glow, your moonstone is probably real.

What color is a rainbow moonstone?

Moonstone has a transparent, white color similar to “moonshine” which, when rolled, rolls or floats over the stone, which is why the term is called “moonstone.” A rainbow moonstone is typically a creamy translucent white stone with occasional (particularly blue) iridescent or painted flashes that varies from opaque to ...

What does rainbow moonstone represent?

Rainbow moonstone is thought to bring balance, harmony and hope while enhancing creativity, compassion, endurance and inner confidence. Rainbow moonstone is believed to help strengthen intuition and psychic perception, especially offering us visions of things that aren't immediately obvious.

What is the best color of labradorite?

The body color of labradorite is usually a medium to dark gray, which is an excellent contrast to the colors of labradorescence, which are most often green and blue, but can include yellow, orange, and red.

Where is labradorite stone from?

It is found in igneous rocks in multiple locations around the world, but it was discovered in eastern Canada on Paul Island, near the settlement of Nain in Newfoundland and Labrador. Why is Labradorite known as the Stone of Magic and The Northern Lights?

What's the rarest labradorite?

Is green labradorite rare?

Natural red, green, and watermelon (green/red) are considered the most valuable and the only legitimate proven finds of this material are in Oregon, USA. Natural material in these colors are the true rare and valuable collector stones.