One glows like moonlight on water. The other flashes like the northern lights. So why do so many people mix them up?
Moonstone and labradorite are two of the most magical-looking stones in the jewellery world. Both seem to light up from inside. Both shift as you move. And both are surrounded by myths.
Here's the twist: one of the most popular "moonstones" out there isn't technically moonstone at all.
In this guide, we'll clear up the most common misconceptions, explain what really makes each stone glow, and help you work out which one is right for you.
And read to the very end for the five-second tilt test that gives you a quick clue which stone you're looking at.
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Misconception #1: "Rainbow moonstone is a type of moonstone"
This is the big one.
According to the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), rainbow moonstone is actually a transparent form of labradorite. Technically, it isn't moonstone at all.
But don't panic if you own some. The two stones are so closely related, and rainbow moonstone is so loved, that the jewellery trade now treats it as a gem in its own right. Some people even prefer it to traditional moonstone.
So why do we still call ours rainbow moonstone? Simply because that's the name most people know it by and go searching for. If you've been hunting for rainbow moonstone, we want you to find it, and now you know its secret identity too.
🌈 So if you've fallen for rainbow moonstone, you've secretly fallen for labradorite too.
Square Rainbow Moonstone & Aquamarine Beaded Bohemian Ring | Adjustable Size — £198
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Misconception #2: "Moonstone and labradorite are completely different stones"
They're actually family.
Both belong to the feldspar group of minerals.
🌕 Moonstone is a variety of a feldspar called orthoclase. As it forms, thin alternating layers develop inside the stone, and light bouncing between those layers creates its soft, billowing glow. Gemmologists call this adularescence.
🌌 Labradorite is a plagioclase feldspar, first identified in Labrador, Canada, which is where its name comes from. Microscopic layers inside the stone split light into flashes of blue, green, gold and sometimes orange or purple. This play of colour is known as labradorescence.
The most vivid labradorite of all comes from Finland and is sold under the name spectrolite.
True Moonstone Graduated Five Stone Sterling Silver Chunky Bracelet — £250
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Misconception #3: "Moonstone is always white"
Not at all. Moonstone can be colourless, white, grey, peach, brown and even green.
The true moonstone bracelet above is a perfect example. Its stones have a neutral grey tone and are almost crystal clear, yet they still show that unmistakable moonlit glow. They look like tiny crystal balls.
And labradorite isn't always dark either. Its base colour usually ranges from grey to greenish or black, but transparent material (yes, rainbow moonstone) can be almost colourless.
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Misconception #4: "They mean the same thing"
In crystal traditions, the two stones have quite different personalities.
Moonstone is often associated with:
• Intuition
• New beginnings
• Calm
• Love
• Good luck
Moonstone has inspired legends for centuries. In Hindu mythology, it's said to be made of solidified moonbeams, and folklore claims that holding one in your mouth under a full moon lets you see the future.
Moonstone and Peridot 9ct Yellow Gold Halo Necklace — £1,100
Labradorite is often associated with:
• Magic
• Transformation
• Intuition
• Protection
Crystal lovers often call labradorite the "stone of magic", and many wearers describe it as a stone for times of change.
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Misconception #5: "Labradorite is a birthstone too"
Moonstone is a traditional birthstone for June, alongside pearl and alexandrite. Labradorite doesn't appear on the traditional birthstone lists, though plenty of people wear it simply because they love it.
Moonstone also had its moment in jewellery history. Designers of the Art Nouveau era, including René Lalique and Louis Comfort Tiffany, loved its pale, dreamy glow, and Arts and Crafts makers set it into handcrafted silver.
Moonstone and Diamond 9ct Gold Cluster Stud Earrings — £950
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Misconception #6: "They're tough enough for anything"
Both stones sit at around 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. That's softer than quartz, and much softer than sapphire, so they're best treated kindly.
That's why we love a protective bezel setting for everyday moonstone rings, like this chunky sterling silver design.
Moonstone Sterling Silver Chunky Ring | Size R ½ — £55
Not your size? Our workshop can often resize rings. Send us a resize enquiry here.
More moonstone to fall for:
🌙 Antique Inspired Moonstone Dainty 9ct Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring | Size M — £299
🌙 Sheila Fleet Wild Grasses Moonstone & Cubic Zirconia Ring in Meadow Enamel — £199 (Pre-Order)
🌙 Sheila Fleet Wild Grasses Moonstone & Cubic Zirconia Bangle — £440 (Pre-Order)
Shop our June birthstone collection here
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How to care for moonstone and labradorite
- Take rings off for the gym, gardening, cleaning and washing up
- Put perfume, hairspray and lotion on before your jewellery
- Clean gently with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, then dry with a soft cloth
- Ask a jeweller before using ultrasonic or steam cleaners
- Store each piece separately so harder stones can't scratch it
Our on-site workshop can check settings and look after your piece for years to come.
Dreaming of a one-of-a-kind moonstone or labradorite piece? Our bespoke design service can create it with you, handmade in our workshop.
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Moonstone vs labradorite FAQs
Is rainbow moonstone real moonstone?
Technically no. GIA describes rainbow moonstone as transparent labradorite, a close feldspar relative of moonstone. We still call ours rainbow moonstone because that's the name most people know it by and search for.
What's the difference between moonstone and labradorite?
Both are feldspars. Moonstone typically shows a soft, floating glow, while labradorite usually shows brighter flashes of colour against a grey or dark body.
What is the birthstone for June?
June has three birthstones: moonstone, pearl and alexandrite.
Can you wear moonstone every day?
Yes, with care. At around 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, it's best in protective settings and removed for heavy tasks.
Where does labradorite get its name?
It was first identified in Labrador, Canada.
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What our customers say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Tracey Clark
"I love the unique & unusual pieces Eloise has, as well as the friendly service... Beautiful jewellers, lovely honest staff, who take time to help you choose your purchases"
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Vix Ottiwell
"I spent ages looking for the perfect engagement ring I found Eloise and wish I had known about it before! They didn't have my perfect ring so they made it for me! I'm so happy with it! Thank you all so much for making it! It was fast too!"
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So, what's the five-second tilt test?
Hold the stone under a single light and slowly tilt it.
🌕 If a soft, milky glow seems to float and drift across the surface, you're probably looking at moonstone.
🌌 If bold flashes of blue, green or gold switch on and off at certain angles, it's probably labradorite, or its transparent form, rainbow moonstone.
It's a quick clue rather than a lab test, so if you need to know for certain, ask an experienced jeweller.
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Final thoughts
Moonstone and labradorite are cousins with very different personalities: one soft and dreamy, the other bold and electric. Whichever one catches your eye, you're wearing a little piece of light.
Many of our moonstone pieces are one-offs, so pop into our Kirkcaldy boutique to see them glow in person, or browse online.
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Visit or contact Eloise Jewellery
📍 Eloise Jewellery
156 High Street
Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland, KY1 1NQ
✉️ eloisejewellery@hotmail.co.uk
🕒 Monday–Saturday: 9:30am–5:30pm
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Please note: the spiritual properties described in this article come from crystal traditions and folklore. They are not scientifically proven and are not a substitute for medical advice.