Moonstone is usually milky white to almost transparent, with a blue white or silver glow that floats across the stone. There are also peach, grey, green and brown varieties. The white kind with a blue sheen is the best known and also the most wanted.
Still, colour in moonstone is more than one shade. You are looking at two layers at the same time: the base colour of the stone and the light that moves across it. Below you read how that works and what to look for.
Saturn Bracelet Small Moonstone
Which base colours does moonstone have?
The base colour is the colour you see when you hold the stone still. According to the American GIA, one of the best known gemmological institutes, it ranges from colourless and white to grey, green, peach and brown.
White and translucent
This is the classic moonstone. The stone looks like milk glass, sometimes so clear that you can see through it a little. It is on this light base that the blue glow stands out the most.
Peach, grey and green
These shades are warmer or a bit tougher. Peach looks lovely with tanned skin, grey looks calm and modern. With these colours the glow is often softer and more silvery than blue.
Earring Gemstones Medium Oval Moonstone
Why does moonstone seem to change colour all the time?
Inside moonstone, very thin layers of feldspar lie on top of each other. These layers are about as thick as a wavelength of light. When light falls on the stone, it scatters between these layers and you see a glow that moves with you.
That is why the same stone looks different in the morning sun than under a lamp. In daylight the glow looks cooler and bluer. Indoors, in warm light, the stone looks softer and creamier. Turn your wrist a little, and the sheen moves along.
How do you judge the colour of a moonstone?
With moonstone, three things count: how clear the base is, the colour of the glow and how strong that glow is. The GIA calls a glass clear stone with a lively, electric blue sheen the finest quality.
The cut also plays a role. A domed cabochon shows the glow best, because the light glides over a round surface. A faceted stone gives small points of light instead and looks more lively.
Also look for small lines in the stone. Gemmologists call these typical inclusions centipedes, because they look like tiny centipedes. They are part of a natural moonstone and make every stone unique.
Why is no moonstone exactly the same?
Moonstone is a natural stone, and nature does not work with a colour chart. One stone has more blue, another is whiter or a little cloudier. That is not a flaw, but a sign that the stone is real.
That is why at Sparkling Jewels moonstone is listed in the specifications as a natural stone with the colour white. The frequently asked questions on the product pages also explain what to do if your stone looks a little different in real life than in the photo. With every design we pay attention to quality, wearing comfort and timeless design, and craftspeople in Italy, Bangkok and Hong Kong finish every piece by hand.
Which moonstone shade suits your skin?
Do you have fair skin with a cool undertone? Then white moonstone with a blue glow often suits you best. The cool sheen matches your skin and looks fresh.
With warm or tanned skin, peach or a creamy white stone often works better. That soft, warm shine makes your skin glow. Not sure about your undertone? Then look at the veins on the inside of your wrist. Bluish usually points to cool, greenish to warm.
To be honest: these are guidelines, not rules. Hold the stone against your neck or wrist in daylight and see what you think. If it feels right, it suits you.
Which colours do you combine with white moonstone?
White moonstone is a neutral stone. It goes with white, grey and denim, and gives black a refined contrast. That makes it just as easy to wear to the office as on a summer day.
Want more depth? Then combine moonstone with a darker stone from the same family, such as labradorite. The grey with flashes of colour next to the milky white gives calm and excitement at the same time. If you find the symbolism of the stone interesting, read more in the meaning of moonstone.
The light colour also works well in necklaces. A small white stone on a fine necklace stands out subtly, especially next to other necklaces with gemstones. In the moonstone jewellery collection you can see all the shapes side by side.
Frequently asked questions about the colour of moonstone
I'm happy to answer a few frequently asked questions:
Is blue moonstone a separate stone?
No. When people say blue moonstone, they usually mean a white or clear stone with a strong blue glow. The base itself is not blue.
Why does my moonstone look different indoors?
That is because of the light. Warm lamplight makes the glow softer and creamier. In daylight you see more blue and more depth.
Which metal colour suits white moonstone?
Both. In silver the stone looks cool and clear, in gold it looks warmer. Choose what goes best with your other jewellery.
Does moonstone lose its glow when it is dirty?
A thin layer of skin oil or cream dims the glow a little. Wipe the stone with a soft, dry cloth and the shine comes straight back.
Want to know more, or have questions? The experts at Sparkling Jewels are happy to help.
