We’ve all heard of garnet stone and how they’re a mixture of red, green, and purple hues. However, some people confuse garnet stones with the rainbow moonstone stone—especially since it has the word moonstone in its name. But are they really similar? What exactly are rainbow moonstones? And what makes them different from garnet stones? Keep reading to find out!
The truth about rainbow moonstone
The natural moonstone is a gem whose name comes from its fascinating play of color, or rainbow, often compared to a moonbeam. However, rainbow moonstone—synthetic minerals with only slight traces of actual moonstone—are frequently confused with their namesake. Here's how to tell if your rainbow-colored gem is real...or not. Real crystals are mostly composed of calcium titanium silicate, meaning they're made up almost entirely of aluminum oxide (otherwise known as corundum). Synthetic quartz (the material used in most fake gems) is made up primarily of silicon dioxide; in some fake stones, there are tiny amounts of aluminum oxide as well. But don't rely on just these characteristics: physical examination by an expert jeweler is best.
What is rainbow moonstone
Before we dive into how rainbow moonstone got its name, let’s first take a look at what it is. Rainbow moonstone is a feldspar (mineral group) found in Sri Lanka that displays iridescent rainbow-colored flashes of blue, green, orange, red and violet. These flashes are caused by very thin layers of rutile—an iron ore—appearing between two layers of feldspar. The effect can be quite dazzling if you have enough light to make it shine through. Because of these unique iridescent flashes, these stones have been mistaken for rainbow moonstones – but there is no such thing as real moonstones!
What does it look like
Rainbow moonstone are usually a clear stone with red, orange, blue, yellow and green reflecting through. They have a low reflective value compared to most other colored stones. They generally come in shades of blues or purples that form when titanium is present in high quantities. Rainbow moonstones are clear gemstones with flashes of color reflected by light. The name is derived from two sources: rainbow as it reminds many people of a rainbow due to its appearance, and moonstone because its shimmering effect has been associated with that of moonlight since ancient times. Moonstones were thought to prevent bad dreams if they were rubbed on one's forehead while sleeping.
Where does it come from
The rainbow moonstone is found in a small area of India called Palghat. The stone has to be cut out of mountains, so it’s very difficult to obtain. Most rainbow moonstones in jewelry are obtained through faceting other materials, not by finding them in their original state. One of those materials is garnet. People who like garnets and enjoy how they look often believe that rainbow moonstones are actually garnets because they have many similar characteristics, including appearance and hardness. They do seem similar, but they aren’t exactly alike; there are some clear differences between these two stones: color and type of crystal growth.
When do we wear it
The Rainbow moonstone and garnet are two beautiful stones. These colorful gems are often confused with each other, but they have their own unique qualities. They share a similar appearance, in that they both exhibit a rainbow of colors when viewed from different angles. The garnet is more widely available because it is cheaper to produce; many retailers even sell moonstones as garnets! However, you should choose one over another based on your individual preferences, not solely based on cost. As with any gem purchase, you need to ensure that you’re buying high-quality stone before spending your money.
How to choose a rainbow moonstone bracelet
Many stones have a rainbow effect, but only certain ones are known as rainbow moonstones. Look for stones with deep colors, not pale or white colors that will look washed out. You want rich hues like reds, purples, blues, greens or yellows in a rainbow moonstone to get full effect of its shimmer. Stones that don't display a true rainbow effect are often called garnet stones rather than rainbow moonstones. They include morganite (pink-purple), grossularite (green) and uvarovite (green). When shopping for such stones with gems such as these, look instead for their beautiful sparkle and luster to catch your eye.
Can I wear it with other gemstones
You can wear moonstone with all types of gemstones; it is not only beautiful on its own, but also can enhance many other stones that you may have in your collection. Gemstones are found throughout our earth’s crust, which means that moonstone has a lot of variety when it comes to coloring. It is commonly an off-white to pink stone with black specks. There are also red moonstones, blue moonsstones, yellow moonsstones and multicolored ones as well. The sky is pretty much the limit when it comes to how different colored moonstones can be!
What are its colors really called
Rainbow moonstone is a rainbow-colored variety of calcite. Rainbow moonstone is not a name for a single mineral, it's a description for an effect produced by reflected light. It's actually two minerals: labradorite, which produces an iridescent interference pattern like oil on water, and calcite.
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