Moonstone

Moonstone 

Moonstone owes its name to the white, almost magical shimmer that resembles moonshine. Blue-whitish light glides over the surface when the stone is cut cabochon. Gemologists call this phenomena adularescence, which originates from the interior structure of the gemstone in scales or lamellas. Incoming rays of light are refracted inside the stone and scattered, creating a unique play of light, which makes Moonstone so special and coveted. Moonstone is the most well known potassium feldspar of the orthoclase species. A combination of orthoclase and albite arranged in layers cause the lovely sheen. Moonstone is fairly soft, 6-6.5 (Mohs scale) and sensitive to pressure.

In Arab countries women often sew moonstone into their garments, because it's considered a symbol of fertility.

Moonstone from Sri Lanka, the classical country of origin for Moonstone, shimmers pale blue on an almost transparent ground. Specimens from India show cloudlike plays of light and shade on beige brown, green, orange, or simple brown background. They do come as well in blue and peach, smoke and champagne colored, or in black and reddish.

Color

Blue Moonstones in fine qualities are becoming increasingly short in supply and push up the prices accordingly.

Moonstone, Colored

Peach or Apricot Moonstone A wonderful stone of soothing, feminine energy. Calming and brightening the emotions and it helps to improve the wearer's self-image. It reminds us of our own worth and divinity. It invokes sensuality and gentle passion. The color reminds of the enchanted feeling when the Full Moon is huge and orange and low on the horizon.

Moonstone, Rainbow

Rainbow Moonstone Vibrating with the feminine wisdom and Goddess energy of the waxing and full Moon, has a reflective, calming energy. It helps to strengthen intuition and psychic perception and brings balance and harmony with the All. The Rainbow effect invokes a spectrum of light, and feels cleansing and uplifting.

Moonstone, Silver Grey

Silver Grey Moonstone Invoking the reflective, intuitive power and Goddess energy of the waning moon, this silver-grey stone eases frustrations and lends a greater ability ability to flow and move in harmony natural tides of life.

Lighting

Really top quality fine blue Moonstone show an incredible "three-dimensional" depth of color, which one will see clearly only when playfully tilting the stone and moving it.

Clarity

The more transparent the moonstone, the more valuable it is. Moonstone cat's eye and multi-rayed star moonstone are known, but rare.

Cut

Classically moonstones are always cut as cabochons. Here the appropriate height of the stone is essential to display the desired light reflection. The cutter must also bear in mind to locate the crystal axis exactly in the zenith of the stone, because only then the desired effect of light play will be achieved.

Moonstone location and deposits

Deposits are found in Brazil, India, Madagascar, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and the United States.

Common Moonstone treatments

There is no treatment known which enhances moonstone quality.

World-famous Moonstone

This gemstone was extremely popular in the times of "Art Nouveau", more than 100 years ago. It used to decorate a striking amount of pieces of jewelry created by the famous French master-goldsmith René Lalique and his contemporaries. These pieces are usually only found in a museum or in safeguarded collections.

Moonstone gemology

Species: Feldspar

Color: Colorless, yellow, pale sheen

Chemical composition: KalSi3O8 potassium aluminum silicate

Crystal system: Monoclinic, prismatic

Hardness: 6-6.5 (Mohs scale)

Specific gravity: 2.56 - 2.59

Refractive index: 1.518 - 1.526

Birefringence: -0.008

Color of streak: White,

Absorption spectrum: Not diagnostic

Fluorescence: Weak; bluish, orange

The Moonstone zodiac, myth & legend

In Arab countries women often sew moonstone into their garments, because it's considered a symbol of fertility.

In Antiquity, as well as in the Middle Ages people believed that the cosmos is reflected in gemstones. The moonstone is assigned to the planets Neptune and Venus. The esoteric movement revived the ancient belief and the gem industry made it another marketing tool to promote certain gems.

The healing powers of gems remain a controversial issue, but are mentioned for centuries by healers, shamans and medicine men. Whether it's a fact or a placebo effect doesn't matter, if it helps. The safest approach is to wear the gemstone in skin contact to the troubled part of the body. Moonstone is said to be of help for headaches and backache.

Vibrating with the feminine wisdom and Goddess energy of the waxing and full Moon, moonstone has a reflective, calming energy. It helps to strengthen intuition and psychic perception and brings balance and harmony with the All. It is said to have the power to grant wishes. Moonstone Honors the Goddess in all women. It aids in dieting, gardening, psychic awareness and meditation. It soothes stress, anxiety, women's hormones it enhances intuitive sensitivity via feelings and less overwhelmed by personal feelings. Greater flexibility and flow with life.

Helps all be more comfortable with our gentler feminine/yin receiving side. Especially for water signs. Helps one be more conscious of the fact that all things are part of a cycle of

constant change. It is a recommended gemstone for farmers and gardeners, artists, dancers and young men.

The Moonstone is said to assist with female issues and with childbirth. By unblocking the lymphatic system, it can heal and balance the stomach, pancreas, and pituitary gland. It can reduce swelling and excess body fluid.

Placed under the pillow it will allow for a more peaceful sleep, and is often used as a cure for insomnia, and used along with the amethyst.

Moonstone is also used as a stand in for pearl, when pearl is not available.

Energy: Receptive

Element: Water

Deities: Diana, Selene, Isis, all lunar goddess

Associated stone: Quartz Crystal

Associated metal: Silver

Powers: Love, divination, sleep, gardening, protection, youth, dieting, psychic abilities.

Moonstone is receptive and love-drawing. This wonderful gemstone is also gently protective.

Each individual must work with the moonstone to see if it works better during the waxing or waning moon for themselves or the type of divination one is doing. The moonstone is said to change it's luster with the phases of the moon, being brighter of the waxing for full moon and darker on the waning or the new moon.

Gives wealth and the gift of prophecy, helps one connect with the feminine side of one's nature as well as with the Goddess. It works wonders when matched with garnet, it reveals the truth behind illusions and will help to unmask hidden or secret enemies.

This gemstone enhances the psychic, so it may help to keep a piece with divinatory tools. For true seekers of higher spiritual development and wisdom, moonstone will open the gateway to the subconscious; at the same time it will not permit entrance by any who are not ready for the experience. Helps with making communication with your guides easier.

If you are a sensitive individual, please to avoid contact with moonstone during the time of the full moon, as you can become so open to the psychic and other realms of being that it can

be quite unnerving.

Wear this stone when giving divination and reading, though be prepared to receive secret information that the person might not want discussed at any time.

Moonstone is the birthstone for those who are born in June.