The Difference Between Moonstone And Labradorite
Ⅰ. Composition and Mineralogy:
Moonstone is a type of feldspar mineral known as orthoclase, with a chemical composition of potassium aluminum silicate. It belongs to the same mineral family as other feldspar gems like sunstone and amazonite. Labradorite, on the other hand, is a plagioclase feldspar, composed mainly of sodium and calcium aluminum silicate. It is part of the larger feldspar group, which includes stones like spectrolite and bytownite.
read more about: How to polish moonstone?
Ⅱ. Color and Iridescence:
Both moonstone and labradorite exhibit a captivating play of colors, but their color characteristics differ. Moonstone typically displays a soft blue or white adularescence, a phenomenon caused by light scattering off microscopic layers within the stone. This gives moonstone a gentle glow and a sense of ethereal beauty. Labradorite, on the other hand, showcases a broader spectrum of vibrant colors, including blues, greens, yellows, and oranges. This play of colors, known as labradorescence, is caused by light interacting with fine layers of minerals within the stone.
Ⅲ. Transparency and Clarity:
Moonstone is commonly translucent to semi-transparent, with its adularescence effect visible in these translucent areas. It often possesses a certain degree of clarity, with some stones exhibiting natural inclusions known as “rainbow sheen.” Labradorite can range from translucent to opaque, with varying degrees of clarity. Its labradorescence is usually more pronounced in stones with higher transparency.
Ⅳ. Hardness and Durability:
In terms of hardness, moonstone ranks between 6 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale, which makes it relatively delicate compared to other gemstones. Labradorite, with a hardness of 6 to 6.5 as well, shares a similar level of susceptibility to scratches and chipping. Both gemstones require careful handling and protection to prevent damage during daily wear.
Ⅴ. Availability and Origin:
Moonstone can be found in various regions around the world, including Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, and the United States. It has been used in jewelry for centuries and is relatively accessible. Labradorite is more commonly sourced from locations such as Madagascar, Canada, Finland, and Russia. While it has gained popularity in recent years, labradorite is generally less abundant than moonstone.
In summary, moonstone and labradorite are distinct gemstones with their own unique characteristics. Moonstone exhibits a soft blue or white adularescence, while labradorite displays vibrant colors through labradorescence. Moonstone is typically translucent, while labradorite can range from translucent to opaque. Both gemstones require careful handling due to their moderate hardness. Consider personal preferences and the desired optical effects when choosing between moonstone and labradorite for jewelry or decorative purposes.
