Rainbow Moonstone

About this Rainbow Moonstone

A single rainbow moonstone of 8.00 carats, with an origin of India and a treatment of natural, both as described by the supplier. The listing describes a blue sheen: the soft, floating light called adularescence that drifts across the stone as you tilt it. In gemmology, rainbow moonstone is generally a near-colourless labradorite feldspar rather than the orthoclase feldspar of classic moonstone, though both are sold as moonstone. In India it is also known as Chandrakant Mani.

In Jyotish, moonstone is offered as an upratna, or substitute, for pearl, and so it is associated with the Moon (Chandra), which classical texts connect with the mind, the mother and the emotions. Customs follow those for pearl: a silver setting, the little or ring finger, and a first wearing on a Monday evening, often in the bright half of the lunar month. As with all substitutes, some astrologers use them readily and others not at all.

You receive the loose moonstone; no setting is included. Feldspar is relatively soft, around 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, and has cleavage, so it suits a pendant, earrings or a ring worn with care. A bezel setting that shields its edges is a sensible choice, and it is worth taking a moonstone ring off for chores.

The Moon's condition in a chart is read from its phase as well as its sign and house, so the case for any lunar stone is individual. Please ask an astrologer who has seen your chart.

Astrological significance

The Moon is the karaka of the mind and the mother in Jyotish, and its strength is judged by phase as well as sign and house. Moonstone substitutes for pearl where the Moon is to be strengthened, typically when it rules the ascendant or a trine, or during a Moon dasha. Practitioners differ on substitutes, and no ascendants are recorded for this listing; ask an astrologer whether a lunar stone suits your chart.

Care & first wear

Wipe with a soft damp cloth and dry. Avoid ultrasonic and steam cleaners, hot water and harsh chemicals. Moonstone is softer than quartz and can scratch or split if knocked, so take it off for chores and sport, and store it alone in a soft pouch.