Moonstone – a stone for new beginnings
3 min reading time
Moonstone is formed from feldspar. The ingrowth of different types of feldspar give moonstone it’s shimmer (or adularescence). The more shimmer the moonstone processes, the more valuable it is. If the shimmer includes colors other than blue, the moonstone is then classified as a rainbow moonstone.
Sri Lanka and Southern India give us the best quality moonstones. It was not always that way, historically the most value with a strong blue sheen came from Myanmar, but these countries, unfortunately have been mined out.
Other feldspar stones include labradorite and sunstone, with rainbow moonstone and amazonite added to the mix.
When Art Nouveau became popular between 1890 and 1910 designers featured custom moonstone jewelry. Moonstone made a popular accessory for men as it was incorporated into stickpins for their ties, or cufflinks, rings or as an adornment to their watch chains.
Even though no moonstone has been naturally found in Florida it is the state’s official gemstone. It was done so to commemorate the Apollo 11 moon landing that had launched from Florida.
Moonstone ranks a 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale for hardness, making it a relatively soft stone and easy to scratch.
Why is Moonstone Special?
Given its name, it is no surprise that the ancient Greeks dedicated the stone their moon goddess, Selene or Luna as she was known to the Romans.
Moonstone owes its name to Pliny, the Roman natural historian, who wrote that its shimmery appearance shifted with the phases of the moon ( a believe held until well after the 16th century).
Moonstone has always been held in high esteem in Asia as some say a live spirit lives in the stone with the shimmer or adularescence evidence of the spirit’s movement.
Moonstone is a June birthstone.
Moonstone is thought to promote emotional balance, reduce anxiety, and helping you find inner peace and stability. It is also thought to encourage the wearer to embrace change and joyfully embark on new beginnings invited a sense of harmony and inner growth.
Except that is if you are either a werewolf or vampire. It was used to curse vampires and make them vulnerable to the sun or tie a werewolf’s transformation to a full moon. At least that is what they say on The Vampire Diaries
How to Care for Moonstone Jewelry:
Use a soft cloth and gentle soap and water to clean the moonstone. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners and above all heat with this stone. Follow the cleaning with a soft dry cloth should do the trick
Try to prevent cosmetics, lotions, sunscreens from encountering the stone.
Moonstone is best kept in a dry, dark place away from direct sunlight.
Our artist friends here at Sundara Joon have been hard at work making some beautiful pieces incorporating this special stone. Check out their special jewelry for yourself. Moonstone is a wonderfully popular stone on its own but is equally lovely when paired with other colorful gemstones.
Still Want More?
- GIA - Moonstone and video of moonstone adularescence
- Gemstones for Schmucks – Moonstone video
- Gemporia - Moonstone video
- America Gem Society – History of Moonstone
- IGS (International Gem Society) - Moonstone
- American Gem Trade Association - Moonstone