The Specimen Library / Under the Loupe
Moonstone · Science
Feldspar / moving glow
A closer look beyond the specimen label.
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The material, examined
What the name tells you
Adularescence is the soft billowing light effect. The labradorite record explains a related feldspar phenomenon, but a trade word should not replace testing when species matters.
A useful question at the counter
Which feldspar is it, and is the seller using moonstone as a mineralogical or visual trade description?
A note for your collection
Protect against knocks and sudden heat. Cleavage matters even when a stone has a respectable hardness.
Sources & further reading
References are labeled by role. A source documenting a belief is not evidence of a medical or mineralogical effect. Reflection prompts are C&C editorial suggestions.
- GIA: Moonstone
- Handbook: Orthoclase
- C&C original crystal-practice index, 2017 archive: contemporary C&C teaching and symbolic associations.
Adjacent drawers
Related Specimens
The cabinet