Beautiful crystals, rare finds, and gifts with meaning—discover them
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Feldspars are everywhere underfoot—forming over half of the Earth’s crust—but only a select few varieties rise above to capture our imaginations. Labradorite, moonstone, and sunstone are among those rarities: they dazzle with optical phenomena like labradorescence, adularescence, and aventurescence. For designers, collectors, and mindful buyers, these stones offer a mix of visual drama and natural mystique.
This guide will deepen your understanding of what makes feldspars unique: how their chemistry and structure give rise to special optical effects, what to look for in terms of hardness and durability, how to choose & style them, and how to care for them—so you can confidently stock, gift, or wear them.
The magic in feldspars comes from their internal structure and inclusions, which manipulate light in special ways. Here are the key effects:
These optical effects are not just pretty—they’re what gives each stone its signature: what “flash” it produces, how it plays with light, and how it’s best cut and displayed.
| Variety | Color Range / Common Colors | Notable Localities | What Buyers Should Look For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moonstone (Orthoclase or Alkali Feldspar) | Colorless, peach, champagne, blue flash, rainbow moonstone (multi-color sheen) | Sri Lanka, India, parts of USA, New Mexico | Blue or silver flashes, clean cabochons with minimal inclusions, body color that enhances sheen |
| Labradorite | Grey to black base with flashes of blue, green, gold, sometimes red | Madagascar, Finland (Spectrolite), Norway, USA | Strong labradorescence, thickness of lamellae, translucency/transparency in lower body color |
| Sunstone | Sparkling orange, red, peach, yellow, sometimes green hues with aventurescence or schiller | Oregon (USA), parts of India, Norway, Australia | Clear host body, bright schiller effect, minimal cloudiness, symmetry in inclusions |
Because feldspar varieties are around Mohs 6–6.5 (sometimes up to ~7), they are more vulnerable to scratch, abrasion, and cleavage damage. Some key care & use tips:
Here are what makes a feldspar gemstone “great”—these are value drivers:
To preserve beauty and prevent damage:
Feldspars like labradorite, moonstone, and sunstone combine natural rarity, optical drama, and design flexibility. Their flashes, sheens, and internal displays aren’t just show-stoppers—they’re stories of crystal chemistry and geological time. Though they require more care than ultra-hard gems, their softer Mohs hardness makes them accessible and affordable in many sizes and styles.
If you’re choosing your next piece or expanding a collection, prioritize phenomenon strength, clean polish, and setting protection. When cared for properly, these stones don’t just hold their beauty—they reveal new magic every time you move them in light.
Explore our Minerals collection, Jewelry pieces featuring exemplary feldspar, and compare with our Agates guide and Lapidary basics to see how these gemstones play out in real life.
Q: What is the Mohs hardness of feldspar gemstones?
Feldspars like labradorite, moonstone, and sunstone usually fall between 6.0 and 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. Some sunstones may approach 7, making them fairly durable but softer than quartz. They need mindful wear and protective settings.
Q: What causes labradorite to flash with colors?
The colorful sheen, called labradorescence, is caused by internal layers of the mineral that reflect and scatter light. Depending on the thickness of these layers, flashes can appear blue, green, gold, or even red.
Q: How can I tell moonstone from rainbow moonstone?
Traditional moonstone has a soft blue or silver glow, while rainbow moonstone (a form of labradorite) shows multi-color flashes. Both are feldspars, but their internal structures differ, creating different optical effects.
Q: Is sunstone always from Oregon?
No. While Oregon Sunstone is famous for its strong copper sparkle, sunstones are also found in India, Norway, and other regions. Locality and intensity of aventurescence affect value.
Q: Are feldspars good everyday jewelry stones?
They can be, but with care. Feldspars are softer than quartz and can cleave if struck. They’re best in pendants, earrings, or protected ring settings rather than high-impact daily wear.
Q: How should I clean and care for feldspar gems?
Use mild soap, warm water, and a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam, or harsh chemicals. Store feldspars separately to prevent scratching from harder gemstones.
At Grounded Lifestyles, our love for crystals began in the peaceful flow of Reiki and energy healing sessions — where we saw how natural stones could amplify intentions, restore balance, and bring comfort. But the more time we spent with these treasures, the more curious we became about their origins. That curiosity led us into the fascinating world of geology and mineral specimen collecting. We fell in love not just with the energy of crystals, but with the science and artistry of their creation — the intricate crystal structures, the vibrant mineral hues, and the wonder of holding a piece of Earth’s history in our hands.
