What happens if moonstone gets wet?
Plain water does not harm moonstone beads. Both rainbow moonstone, a white labradorite, and the peach to gray orthoclase types show sheen from thin internal layers that can act like natural split lines. The material is Mohs 6 to 6.5, so it resists light scratches but dislikes shocks and big temperature swings. Read more about rainbow types in our Rainbow Moonstone guide and orthoclase types in our Peach and Gray Moonstone guide.
How should I clean a moonstone bead strand?
Keep it simple and gentle. Work over a soft towel so drops do not bounce beads off a hard sink. Clean the metal findings separately if needed, and keep harsh cleaners away from the beads and thread.
- Give a brief lukewarm rinse.
- Use a tiny drop of mild dish soap, wipe with a soft cloth or very soft brush.
- Follow with a clean water rinse and pat dry.
- Lay the strand flat to air dry fully before storing.
Should I wear moonstone in the shower or pool?
We recommend taking moonstone off before showering. Soap film dulls the glow, temperature swings can stress cleavage planes, and strands can snag or stretch. Pools and hot tubs add chlorine or heat, which are poor conditions for feldspar and for common stringing fibers. If a piece gets wet unexpectedly, use plain water for a quick rinse, pat dry and let it air dry flat.
How do bead strings hold up to water and soap?
Silk or nylon absorbs water and can stretch or stiffen, and knotting may tighten or loosen after repeated wetting. Beading wire dislikes kinks from wet handling and hard knocks. Give strands time to dry flat on a towel, then check knots near the clasp for fuzzing or gaps. Restring when fray appears or spacing looks uneven.
Why is moonstone sensitive to knocks?
Feldspar has cleavage, and moonstone's sheen comes from thin layers that scatter light. Those same layers can part if hit or bent, especially on larger faceted beads. That is why we favor earrings and necklaces for moonstone, and we discourage rough-wear bracelets. Gentle handling preserves the billowy glow designers love.
What stringing and storage do we recommend?
Knot between beads to limit contact, or use a soft beading wire with snug crimping and protective wire guards at the clasp. Store moonstone strands in individual pouches away from heat sources. If you plan a quick restring, keep these counts in mind for rondelles and standard cutter lengths.
- On a 15 to 16 inch strand, 6 mm rondelles count about 65 to 70 beads.
- For 8 mm rondelles on 15 to 16 inches, expect about 48 to 52 beads.
- 4 mm rondelles on 15 to 16 inches run about 95 to 100 beads.
- Allow 1.5 inches for clasp and findings on a finished piece.
Which moonstone strands do we stock for safer wear
We stock shapes that shine in earrings and pendants, like pyramids, pears, marquises and arrowheads. See our Rainbow Moonstone 9x15 mm Pyramids or Gray Moonstone 10x40 mm Pears for long drops. Our current show dates are on the schedule. We sell strands by WhatsApp or email with free US shipping over $100.
