Feldspars are a fascinating group of complex silicate minerals that comprise nearly 60% of the Earth’s crust. Among this group, only a small percentage possess the qualities desirable for gems or jewelry. These gemstones are divided into two main varieties:

1. Orthoclase

• Moonstone: Often combined with Albite, another Feldspar group member, Moonstone is renowned for its captivating adularescence.
• Amazonite: Known for its striking blue-green color.

2. Plagioclase

• Labradorite: Celebrated for its unique labradorescence, which showcases a stunning metallic rainbow effect.
• Aventurine: Notable for its aventurescence, giving it a glittering appearance.

Feldspar gemstones are available in a wide range of colors and sizes, many of which exhibit special optical properties:

• Adularescence: A milky or bluish iridescence that appears as a soft shimmer or a light floating below the gem’s surface (seen in Moonstone).
• Labradorescence: A metallic rainbow effect similar to that of opal (seen in Labradorite).
• Aventurescence: A metallic glitter effect caused by tiny, plate-like mineral inclusions (seen in Sunstone).
• Chatoyancy: A cat’s-eye effect that exhibits a single or dual bright band when stones are cut as cabochons (seen in Moonstone and Labradorite).

COLOR FIRST works with a variety of gem-quality Feldspars, including Moonstone, Labradorite, and Sunstone. Below is a selection of Feldspars – we have many more colors, shapes and sizes available – please contact us if you don’t find what you are looking for in our online inventory.