There are few gems out there more beautiful and interesting than a moonstone. While they don’t get as much credit as some other more expensive gems they are incredible.

While moonstones are commonly found in places like Sri Lanka, India, and Madagascar, they’re also found in various places across the United States.

If you’re curious about how to find moonstone, you’re in for a treat! This guide will dive into the wonders of moonstone, unveiling the best places to discover it, techniques to find it, and tips to recognize it among other gems.

From its formation in the depths of the Earth to the joy of holding a piece in your hand, moonstone has a tale that’s as beautiful as its appearance. Get ready to embark on a luminous journey through the world of moonstone!

What are moonstones?

Moonstone is a captivating gem known for its shimmering appearance. This shimmer, called adularescence, is due to the way moonstone is formed.

Layers of feldspar minerals, specifically orthoclase and albite, slowly mix and cool, creating a special play of light within the stone.

For those passionate about moonstone hunting, the United States offers several places to search. States like North Carolina, New Mexico, and Virginia are hotspots for finding this unique gem.

As you set out on your adventure, remember that every shimmering stone tells a story of Earth’s incredible processes. With a keen eye and a bit of luck, you might just stumble upon a stunning piece of moonstone to add to your collection.!

The different types of moonstone

While many might know the classic white moonstone, there’s a whole world of varieties out there. Each type comes with its own unique color, story, and place of origin.

Common Moonstone

While many people think of moonstone as just white, it comes in a beautiful palette of colors. You can find moonstones in peach, pink, and even gray shades. Each color has its own unique charm and beauty.

These gemstones get their colors from the minerals inside them and the way they form.

Common spots to find these colorful gems are in India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. So, next time you’re out looking for rocks, keep an eye out for these colorful surprises! They’re sure to brighten up any collection.

Star Moonstone

Star moonstone is a subtle showstopper. What sets it apart is the star-like pattern that appears on its surface when light hits it just right. This quality is called asterism.

This stunning effect is due to the orientation of tiny, needle-like inclusions within the stone. They reflect light in a way that creates a visible star, usually with four rays. It’s like having a little piece of the night sky in the palm of your hand

 Many star moonstones are found in places like Sri Lanka and India.

Cat’s Eye Moonstone

The cat’s eye moonstone’s unique feature is a bright, silvery line that moves across the stone, much like a cat’s pupil in changing light. It’s an interesting result of how moonstones are formed.

This cool effect is known as chatoyancy, and it’s caused by the way the mineral fibers inside the stone are arranged. This arrangement causes the fibers to reflect light in a single, sharp band.

Sri Lanka is a popular source for cat’s eye moonstones, but they can also be found in parts of India.

Rainbow Moonstone

Rainbow moonstone is a true gem in the world of stones! Unlike traditional moonstones, rainbow moonstone is made of labradorite feldspar, which gives it a special touch.

The moonstone interior boasts a play of colors, displaying a dazzling blue sheen when light hits it, just like a rainbow.

Often found in places like India and Madagascar, this moonstone variant has become a favorite for jewelry makers and collectors

Its unique combination of minerals and brilliant colors sets it apart, making it a sought-after gem for those who adore unique treasures.

Green Moonstone

Unlike the typical moonstone made of albite and orthoclase, green moonstone gets its unique hue from garnierite, a nickel-rich mineral. 

This beautiful stone has a soft, dreamy green shade. When thinking about how to identify moonstones, this green variety is quite distinct. It’s commonly found in places like Madagascar, where the soil and conditions favor its formation.

Where to find moonstones

While these gems can be found in various corners of the world, some locations truly stand out. If you’re curious about how to find moonstone in the US, certain spots offer better chances than others.

Let’s dive into the top five places where these radiant treasures await discovery!

Amargosa Range, Inyo County, California

The Amargosa Range is a popular spot for rock enthusiasts and gem seekers. The area’s specific conditions have favored the formation of moonstones, making it a treasure trove for collectors.

You can often find moonstones in colors ranging from white to peach, each shimmering with its own play of light. The environment here allows these gems to grow in their full beauty.

Wolf Creek Pass, Mineral County, Colorado

Wolf Creek Pass isn’t just known for its breathtaking views and winding roads. It’s a treasure trove for rock lovers, nestled within the majestic San Juan Mountains.

Among its many geological offerings is where you can find moonstones, attracting collectors from far and wide. The area boasts moonstones with a translucent sheen, often revealing hues of blue and white.

The local environment and mineral-rich soil have provided the perfect conditions for these gems to form. A trip to Wolf Creek Pass might just reward you with a shimmering keepsake to cherish.

Buford County, Georgia

What makes Buford County extra special for rock lovers is its abundance of moonstone. Thanks to the area’s unique geology, Buford County has become a go-to destination for those eager to uncover these shimmering gems.

While exploring, collectors often find moonstones in various colors like white, peach, and gray, each sparkling uniquely in the sunlight. The environment here allows these stones to thrive and develop their distinct luster.

Rabb Canyon, Grant County, New Mexico

Rabb Canyon is a picturesque location with vast stretches of desert land dotted with unique rock formations. For rock enthusiasts, this canyon offers an exciting treasure hunt.

Finding moonstone here is quite the adventure, as the area’s geology favors the growth of these shimmering gems.

The moonstones in Rabb Canyon often come in lovely shades of white, peach, and gray, each capturing the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The unique conditions of the canyon nurture these stones, giving them their radiant glow.

Jemez Mountains, New Mexico

With its majestic peaks and scenic valleys, Jemez Mountains also hides a gem-tastic secret. If you’re wondering where to find moonstones, these mountains are a top spot.

These mountains house a variety of moonstones, with hues ranging from soft blues to pearlescent whites. The unique geological conditions of the region contribute to the growth and quality of these gems.

For those eager to add a southwestern touch to their gem collection, the Jemez Mountains are a must-visit!

How to find moonstones

There are various methods you can use when hunting for moonstones. Each technique offers a unique adventure and a chance to uncover these stunning gems.

Research specific locations

To get your hands on moonstone, you need to know where to look. While they aren’t found everywhere, a little research can go a long way.

If you want to narrow down the possible places where to find moonstones in real life, dive into books or reliable online resources that pinpoint specific locations rich in these gems. Riverbeds, beaches, and certain mining areas are top spots.

When you focus on regions known for moonstones, your chances of finding one skyrocket. Remember, local guides or rock-hunting groups can also offer valuable tips.

With the right knowledge, your hunt for the elusive moonstone will be both fun and rewarding!

Time your searches right

Timing can be everything when hunting for beautiful moonstones. For instance, after a rain, the wet ground can make moonstones shine and catch your eye.

If you’re searching at a beach, always try during low tide. The receding waters might just reveal hidden moonstone treasures waiting to be found. So, remember to use nature’s hints, and you might just strike moonstone luck!

Look for moonstone’s telltale sheen

One of the best hints nature provides is the unique shimmer of moonstones, known as adularescence. This blue or white shine dances and moves as you tilt the stone. It’s this very shine that can catch your eye when searching.

When out and about, keep your eyes peeled for this special glow on rocks and pebbles. Identifying moonstones is a bit easier when you know what this shine looks like.

Bring the right tools

It’s essential to have the right tools to make your search for moonstones a success. Start with a small shovel or scoop. This will help you dig into the earth, especially in places where moonstones might be hiding.

Next, you’ll want a sifting screen. After digging up some sand or dirt, put it on the screen and shake away the excess. This leaves you with potential treasures to examine. Look for those shiny, opalescent stones that moonstones are famous for.

Don’t forget a bucket to hold any treasures you find! With these tools in hand, you’ll boost your chances of spotting some lovely moonstones on your adventure.

How to identify moonstones once you find them

Moonstones have unique characteristics that set them apart from other gems. Let’s dive into the details of how to identify a real moonstone.

What moonstones look like on the outside

If you ever find a moonstone, you’ll notice it has a special look. The outside appearance is unique, making it stand out from other stones. The following reasons make the moonstone’s exterior so distinct.

Adularescence

Adularescence is that shimmering glow you see on a moonstone’s surface. When you move or tilt a rough moonstone, the light seems to roll across it, almost like moonlight shining on water. This glow can be blue, white, or even other colors.

Rough moonstones, even with their uneven and gritty exterior, still show this beautiful play of light. This unique shimmer makes moonstones stand out from other gems. It’s like having a little piece of the moon’s glow right in your hand.

So, when you see a stone with this kind of light dance, you’re likely looking at a moonstone!

Translucency

If you think about what a moonstone looks like on the outside, one of its standout features is its translucency. Translucency means that light can pass through, but not clearly enough to see objects on the other side.

Rough moonstones can vary in this aspect. Some pieces will allow a fair bit of light through, making them look dreamy and almost see-through. Others might be denser, showing more solid colors and letting less light in.

This variety in appearance gives moonstone its unique charm, with each piece offering its own special glow.

Fluorescence

When you shine ultraviolet light on them, many moonstones show off a fluorescent glow. This isn’t just any ordinary shine; it’s like they have a secret light inside!

Most of the time, this glow is white, but sometimes it can lean towards a soft blue shade. If you ever have the chance to use ultraviolet light on a moonstone, give it a try. It can help you identify whether a rock is a moonstone or not. 

What moonstones look like on the inside

When you take a closer look inside moonstones, there’s a whole world of wonder waiting to be explored.

Structure

If you’ve ever wondered what a moonstone looks like on the inside, you’re in for a cool discovery! Moonstone has a unique layered structure. When light enters the stone, it bounces between these thin layers.

This bouncing light is what gives moonstone its beautiful adularescence. Each layer plays a part in creating that dreamy effect we all love.

Inclusions

A big part of a moonstone’s charm comes from the inclusions inside it. Inclusions are little materials or even small cracks that get trapped in the moonstone while it forms. Think of them like birthmarks for the gem.

Each moonstone’s inclusions are unique, making every stone one of a kind. They give character to the gem and can sometimes create patterns or reflections that add to the moonstone’s allure.

Cleavage

In geology, cleavage refers to the natural breaking point of a stone. Think of it as the direction a rock would most likely break if you applied pressure.

Moonstones have perfect cleavage in two directions. This means they have two specific flat surfaces inside where they’d prefer to split or break. It’s kind of like the way a chocolate bar breaks along those straight lines.

That’s why when working with moonstones, extra care is needed to avoid chipping or breaking them. Understanding this helps jewelers and collectors handle these stones with the care they deserve!