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| Moonstone | |
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| General | |
| Category | orthoclase feldspar |
| Chemical formula | KAlSi3O8 |
| Identification | |
| Color | Can be numerous colors, including grey, white, pink, green and brown, but the most valuable are deep blue. |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic |
| Mohs Scale hardness | 6 - 6.5 |
| Luster | vitreous |
| Refractive index | 1.52 - 1.53 to 1.53 - 1.54 |
| Optical Properties | Biaxial Negative |
| Dispersion | 0.008 |
| Specific gravity | 2.55 - 2.58 |
Moonstone is typically a potassium aluminium silicate, with the chemical formula KAlSi3O8.
The most common moonstone is of the mineral adularia. The plagioclase feldspar oligoclase also produces moonstone specimens. Its name is derived from a visual effect, or sheen, caused by light reflecting internally in the moonstone from layer inclusions of different feldspars.
References
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