Description

Rainbow Moonstone, also known as White Labradorite, is actually a variety of Labradorite that exhibits flashy colors and rainbows throughout.

The Difference Between Moonstone And Rainbow Moonstone

Traditional moonstones and Rainbow Moonstones are very similar but crucially different. 

Both stones are feldspar minerals and have the same hardness on the Mohs scale; both tend to have a creamy white base and both display a glowing, pearly sheen that looks like moonlight glowing from within the stone (a phenomenon known as adularescence). 

However, the two stones are two different types of feldspars: whilst traditional moonstone is an orthoclase feldspar, Rainbow Moonstone is a plagioclase feldspar like Labradorite. 

The signature flash of colour, like moon shine, from within moonstone is caused by Albite inclusions in traditional moonstone, however this adularescent effect is caused by a similar mechanism but different chemical inclusions in Labradorite, and thus Rainbow Moonstone as well. 

The inner glow of Rainbow Moonstone is caused by the refraction of light between layered minerals: this is the same mechanism that leads to the iridescent Schiller Effect in Labradorite. 

It is said that Rainbow Moonstone is a potent crystal healing stone for it is heavily associated with fertility, nourishment, and love. 

This rainbow crystal is believed by crystal healers to be greatly calming to those struggling with stress, and to enhance creativity and inspire new ideas. 

Spiritually, Rainbow Moonstone is said to hone psychic abilities such as clairvoyancy, and is perfect for entering a meditative trance, as one can focus on the calming flashes of moving light during meditation. 

Moonstones in general are viewed as traveller’s stones, and many wear them as amulets or protection stones to keep them safe whilst travelling.