How Alexandrite and Moonstone differ in what they are, color, hardness and care.
| Alexandrite | Moonstone | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A rare variety of chrysoberyl that changes color with the light: "emerald by day, ruby by night". | A feldspar gem known for adularescence, a floating glow that moves as you turn it. |
| Birthstone for | June | June |
| Colors | Bluish green in daylight or fluorescent light; Purplish red in incandescent light or candlelight | White or colorless with a soft blue sheen (most common); Rainbow, with flashes of blue and other colors; Peach and gray |
| Mohs hardness | 8.5 | 6 to 6.5 |
| Toughness | Excellent, with no cleavage; suits rings and daily wear. | Poor. It has two cleavage directions, so a hard blow can break it; it is usually set in pendants, earrings and pins rather than rings. |
| Everyday wear | Great for everyday rings | Delicate |
| Ultrasonic cleaner | Usually safe | Never |
| Main sources | Brazil, Sri Lanka, East Africa (natural stones are scarce; lab created stones are more common) | Not stated |
| Common treatments | Usually untreated. Clean any fracture filled stones only with warm soapy water. | Not stated |
Alexandrite is the harder of the two (8.5 on the Mohs scale). Both are June birthstones, so either makes a fitting gift. Choose by the color you love and how the piece will be worn; for a ring worn every day, the tougher stone will last better.
Sources: GIA: Alexandrite care and cleaning, AGS: Alexandrite, GIA: Moonstone care and cleaning, AGS: Moonstone. Checked October 16, 2026.
Birthstone of the month
On the first of each month: that month's birthstone, what it means and how to care for it.
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