MOONSTONE
Moonstone is a variety of orthoclase feldspar, which is a sodium aluminum silicate. Moonstones can occur colorless, blue-white, white and pale shades of apricot and peach. Moonstones that are colorless with a floating blue color or schiller that seems to hover above the stone are the rarest stones. This phenomenon is termed adularescence and is due to a combination of orthoclase and albite feldspars, arranged in layers. Light reflected from these layers produces interference effects and causes the adularescence. If the layers are very thin, a blue schiller is seen. When they are thicker a white schiller is seen.
The most important source for moonstone is Sri Lanka. Water-worn stones are often found in the alluvial gem gravels on the southern part of the Island.
The most important source for moonstone is Sri Lanka. Water-worn stones are often found in the alluvial gem gravels on the southern part of the Island.
THE HISTORY
According to Hindu mythology, moonstone is made of solidified moonbeams. Many other cultures also associate this gem with moonlight, and it’s easy to see why because of its internal structure that scatters the light. For ancient Greeks, the stone was associated with the goddess of the moon, Artemis. Moonstone was given as an offering to her in hopes to bring prosperous crops, good fortune, and fertility.
Legends say that moonstone brings good luck. Many believed that you could see the future if you held a moonstone in your mouth during a full moon.
The original mining place for moonstone was off the southern coast of India at the island of Sri Lanka, and is still a lucrative source even today. The stone became culturally significant and was believed to have been created during the celestial fight between Lord Vishnu and the god Bali. In ancient Sanskrit moonstone was referred to as 'chandrakanta' to mean "beloved moon".
Moonstone is a birthstone for June, along with pearl and alexandrite.
Legends say that moonstone brings good luck. Many believed that you could see the future if you held a moonstone in your mouth during a full moon.
The original mining place for moonstone was off the southern coast of India at the island of Sri Lanka, and is still a lucrative source even today. The stone became culturally significant and was believed to have been created during the celestial fight between Lord Vishnu and the god Bali. In ancient Sanskrit moonstone was referred to as 'chandrakanta' to mean "beloved moon".
Moonstone is a birthstone for June, along with pearl and alexandrite.
CARING FOR MOONSTONE
Moonstone is a durable gem that can be cleaned with warm soapy water and a soft bristled brush. Be sure to store moonstone separate from harder gems such as diamond and sapphire.
