Moonstone matrix is also known as a pegmatite. These rock formations contain a rich variety of crystals. The most common being feldspar AKA Moonstone and quartz. There have been over 550 different minerals recorded in pegmatites and they occur all over the world. Many of these in the Crystal Museum Garden (CMG) collection have bright shiny mica crystals within the matrix. Mica are considered elastic crystals as they may bend and go back into shape. Pegmatite formations are also host to some of the world’s most valuable minerals and gemstones. Large crystals normally form from magma and extreme temperatures cooling at a slow rate. However, pegmatites form after the main body of another rock formation has left space for a high temperature water mix to enter with minerals. This allows large crystals to grow rapidly in a temperature range between 200-400°F or 100-200°C.
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