Belomorite Moonstone: The Rare Russian Rainbow Gemstone

What is Belomorite Moonstone?

Belomorite moonstone is a rare and stunning variety of moonstone feldspar that is found along the shore of the White Sea in the Kandalaksha Gulf near the Belomorsk town in Russia. Often referred to as "belomorite rainbow moonstone", this moonstone variety exhibits extraordinary rainbow colors and sheen.

Appearance and Properties

Belomorite moonstone displays shimmering blue, peach, smoke, tan, gold, green and rainbow colors that seem to glow from within the stone. The sheen moves across the surface when the stone is turned, creating a captivating flickering effect reminiscent of moonlight shining and dancing on water.

Like other moonstones, belomorite moonstones are translucent to opaque feldspars with a pearly, moon-like sheen called adularescence. The sheen is caused by light diffraction within the microstructure of alternating moonstone crystal lattices. The rainbow colors come from mineral inclusions of chlorite, graphite and other minerals trapped inside during formation.

What Makes Belomorite Moonstone Unique

While most moonstones exhibit a silver-blue sheen, the combination of mineral inclusions gives belomorite moonstones their exceptionally vibrant flashes of color. No two belomorite moonstones look exactly alike, and individual stones can show blue, peach, gold, green, smoke and rainbow colors all in one stone.

In addition to their stunning optical effects, belomorite moonstones also have a smoother, glassier texture compared to other moonstone varieties. The beautiful rainbow flames seem to glow as if they are lit from within the stone.

Where Does Belomorite Moonstone Come From?

Belomorite moonstone is found exclusively along the shorelines of the White Sea near the gulfs of the Kandalaksha Bay and Onega Bay in Russia north of the Arctic Circle. This region has very unique geology that produces high quality gemstones.

Geological Origins

The host rock of belomorite moonstone is a type of igneous rock called nepheline syenite. Nepheline syenite formations occurred around 380-360 million years ago when magma intruded existing rock layers deep underground and crystallized into coarse grained nepheline, potassium feldspar, plagioclase and other minerals.

Over long periods of geologic activity, including erosion and glaciation, layers of the nepheline syenite were eventually exposed at the surface. Processes like frost wedging broke rocks into smaller pieces. Continual wave action tumbling the rough stones in the White Sea wore them smooth and brought out their optical phenomena, transforming them into luminous belomorite moonstone gems.

Mining Belomorite Moonstone

Miners search for belomorite moonstone along White Sea beaches and the shoreline of the Kandalaksha Gulf during low tides by picking through gravel, cobbles and boulders. Most stones are collected by hand on the beaches, though some small scale mining from the original nepheline syenite source rock is also done.

Russia has mined this special moonstone variety since the 1980s, but very little enters the global market. Demand greatly exceeds supply for this rare feldspar gem.

Belomorite Moonstone Gemstone Properties

As a variety of orthoclase feldspar, belomorite moonstone has a Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5 and does not easily scratch. Its toughness is considered poor, so care should be taken not to knock it against hard surfaces which may cause chipping or cracking.

Color Properties

The dominant rainbow body colors seen in belomorite moonstone are:

• Blue - ranging from pale sky blue to smoky blue
• Peach - vivid orange to pinkish peach shades
• Gold - rich golden honey tones
• Green - bright lime green to deep forest greens
• Smoke - smoky grays mixed with blues and greens

Stones can exhibit a single dominant hue or a vibrant mix of several colors in flashy patterns. No two belomorite moonstones will ever look exactly the same due to the random assortment of mineral inclusions each stone contains.

Special Optical Effects

The adularescence observed in belomorite moonstone is caused by light diffraction within the microscopic structure of the alternating crystal lattice. Broad spectrum white light is broken into spectral colors as it reflects off the internal crystal layers and exits through the surface.

As the stone is turned, the shimmery rainbow colors seem to flicker and dance as if lit by inner flames. Combined with the smooth, glassy texture, the moonstones do appear to glow from within just like magical gems.

Belomorite Moonstone Jewelry Uses

The vibrant rainbow colors and dazzling optical flickering make belomorite moonstone an exceptionally striking gemstone that is highly coveted for jewelry. The stones are most often cut into cabochons which allow the adularescence to be fully appreciated.

Popular Jewelry Designs

Belomorite moonstones make one-of-a-kind focal pieces and are especially stunning when set in silver or white gold. Some favorite jewelry designs include:

• Pendants - Simple bezel or prong settings as statement necklace pendants
• Rings - Cocktail rings or featured in engagement ring designs
• Earrings - Colorful dangling statement earrings
• Bracelets - Multiple moonstones alternating with diamonds or other beads

Smaller stones can also be incorporated into chandelier earrings, tennis bracelets, brooches and hair pins. Their versatility and splash of rainbow colors complement both modern and vintage jewelry styles.

Enhancing Belomorite Moonstone

These Russian rainbow moonstones are very rarely enhanced. Their spectacular natural colors do not require treatment. Some lighter colored stones may be irradiated to intensify colors, but this is uncommon.

No oiling, dyeing or other enhancements are used. Jewelry buyers can be assured they are purchasing a 100% natural feldspar gemstone.

Why Belomorite Moonstone is So Rare

Genuine belomorite moonstone is exceptionally rare for a combination of geologic and economic factors:

• Limited geographic source - Only found in Russia along the White Sea
• Strict mining regulations - Beach mining restricted to certain seasons
• Very small mining region - Only a few isolated areas contain belomorite moonstone
• No large scale mining - All production is artisanal mining, not big machinery
• Extreme weather hampers mining - Frigid, icy conditions most of the year

Additionally, much of the limited production is still consumed within Russia itself as this special moonstone is seen as a national treasure. Very little belomorite enters the global gemstone markets, commanding extremely high prices.

Supplies are not expected to increase as no new mining areas have been discovered. Exceptional belomorite moonstone gems will likely remain quite rare and valuable into the future.

FAQs

What causes the rainbow colors in belomorite moonstone?

The vibrant flashes of rainbow colors in belomorite moonstone are caused by light diffracting off mineral inclusions trapped inside the stone during formation. Inclusions of minerals like chlorite, graphite and other materials interact with light rays to produce spectral flashes of color.

Why is belomorite moonstone only found in Russia?

This rare gem quality feldspar is only found along the White Sea in Russia because that is the only place the specific host rock nepheline syenite occurs. The unique combination of minerals and geological processes in this region produces belomorite moonstone.

Is belomorite moonstone treated or enhanced?

No, belomorite moonstone gems are very rarely treated or enhanced in any way. The stones exhibit their spectacular natural rainbow colors without any dyeing, irradiation, oiling or other treatments to improve appearance.

What is the best way to cut belomorite moonstone?

Cabochon cutting is almost always used for belomorite moonstone. This style fully shows off the adularescence optical phenomenon. Smooth domed cabochons maximize the reflections of light that generate the heavenly glowing colors.