Where is Rainbow Moonstone found?
Labradorite (variety of Feldspar)
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Open the appRainbow Moonstone occurs in specific geological environments. Knowing where to look, and in what kind of rock, is the difference between going home empty-handed and finding a great specimen.
Where to find Rainbow Moonstone
Sri Lanka (Ceylon)
Historically a significant source of moonstone, including some varieties that might be termed 'Rainbow Moonstone' due to strong adularescence, though often orthoclase-based.
India
Known for producing significant quantities of 'Rainbow Moonstone' (white labradorite) with strong blue and multi-color flashes.
Madagascar
Another major source of 'Rainbow Moonstone' with good quality iridescence.
Myanmar (Burma)
Produces moonstone, some with iridescent qualities.
United States (various states)
Labradorite is found in several states, including Oregon (Oregon Sunstone, a variety of labradorite), but 'Rainbow Moonstone' specifically is less common as a primary source.
Canada (Labrador)
The original locality for labradorite, known for its strong labradorescence, though often with a darker body color than what is typically marketed as 'Rainbow Moonstone'.
Finland
Source of Spectrolite, a highly prized variety of labradorite with intense, full-spectrum labradorescence, often with a dark body color.
Collecting tips
- Look for Mafic Igneous Rocks. Rainbow Moonstone (labradorite) is typically found in mafic igneous rocks like anorthosite, gabbro, and basalt. Search in areas known for these rock types.
- Observe the Play of Color. The most distinctive feature is the labradorescence. Rotate potential specimens under a light source to observe flashes of spectral colors. This effect is best seen on polished or fractured surfaces.
- Check for Cleavage. Feldspars exhibit perfect cleavage in two directions. Look for flat, reflective surfaces that meet at nearly right angles (approximately 86° and 94°).
- Examine for Striations. Plagioclase feldspars, including labradorite, often show fine parallel striations (polysynthetic twinning) on cleavage surfaces, which can be a key identifier.
- Consider Associated Minerals. Labradorite often occurs with other mafic minerals such as pyroxenes (augite), olivine, and magnetite.
Quick Check
- Color:
- White, colorless, or pale gray body with iridescent flashes of blue, green, yellow, orange, pink, purple.
- Luster:
- Vitreous to pearly.
- Streak:
- White.
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