Moonstone vs Labradorite
Moonstone and Labradorite are easy to confuse. Here’s how they stack up on the properties that actually separate them.
| Moonstone | Labradorite | |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | White, Clear | Gray, Blue, Green, White, Clear |
| Mohs hardness | — | 6–6.5 |
| Lustre | — | Vitreous to pearly on cleavages |
| Streak | — | White |
| Crystal system | — | Triclinic |
| Transparency | — | Translucent to transparent |
| Cleavage | — | Perfect on {001}, less perfect on {010}, intersecting at near 90°; distinct on {110} |
| Fracture | — | Uneven to conchoidal |
| Chemical formula | — | (Ca,Na)(Al,Si) 4 O 8 (Na:Ca = 30:70 to 50:50) |
| Specific gravity | — | 2.68 to 2.72 |
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Frequently asked questions
What's the easiest way to tell Moonstone from Labradorite?
Compare lustre, streak and crystal habit side by side — colour alone won't settle it.