Moonstone - The Magical Shimmer Gemstone

Moonstone is a colorless gem that belongs to the Feldspar family. It is made up of two minerals, orthoclase, and albite, which are mixed throughout the creation process. And when they cool, they split and get set in alternate layers. As the light falls on these thin layers, it scatters in many directions, resulting in the glow known as the adularescence effect. The light is mobile as it moves across the surface at every changing angle. And this is the aspect that makes the stone very alluring and enchanting. The moonstone has a pearly and opalescent appearance, and “hecatolite” is another name given to it.

Other feldspar minerals show adularescence in multicolor. They are popularly known as rainbow moonstones and are a variety of labradorite feldspar.

History and Significance of Moonstone

For our ancestors, owning a moonstone was like touching the moon itself. Our ancients believed moonstone was the result of solidified moonlight rays. For them, it carried the mystical powers within. The stone and its shimmer have been symbols of compassion, love, newness, and protection for them.

The Mariners wore it as an amulet to be protected from any attacks, especially at night. For this reason, it has been called ‘traveler's stone’. Also, moonstone in amulet form was used for the growth of healthy crops by hanging it on a tree. Lovers wore this gem to get reunited or reignite the spark of love in their relationship. And physicians used moonstone for curing insomnia.

In addition to that, the ancients believed the stone to be a fortune teller, as on the full moon, one can see a glimpse of their future in the stone.

The ancient Greeks and Romans saw their goddesses of love inside the gem. In India, it was customary to give moonstone to keep the love alive in the marital bond. This shimmering gemstone has always been connected with love, fortune, and positive energy. That is what makes this moonstone magical.

It is associated with lunar energy until today. Mystic healers suggest the use of moonstone jewelry to heal, stabilize emotions, unblock feelings, or arouse more compassion and tenderness.

Variety and Origin of Moonstone

Moonstone is not found in one region but all over the world. It is mined in the USA, Australia, Tanzania, Switzerland, Tanzania, Myanmar, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Sri Lanka, and India. Sri Lanka produces the finest variety of moonstones, and India is known for its exclusive colored moonstone mining.

Its primary color is white, with an electric blue shimmer. But one can find a variety of colors from yellow to brown, from green to blue, and peach to pink. Colorless and white moonstones are composed of albite. Other colors that occur are mostly composed of orthoclase.

Moonstone is an attractive stone that has been loved for many centuries and across multiple cultures. The presence of light and its movement adds a glimmering sheen and soft color and makes its even bland appearance spectacular. It's a stone belonging to the feldspar group and has a pearly opalescent Schiller. Here we are going to put forward some well-known and some lesser-known interesting facts about moonstone that will help you to discover its history and significance.

1. Moonstone Comes in Multiple Hues

   Though widely accepted and valued, the stone'scolor is colorless, semitransparent with a mobile, vivid blue shimmer, or we can say blue sheen. but it has a variety of body colors like green, blue, yellow, gray, and peach. Parrot Green moonstone was discovered in 1997 in south India.

2. Moonstone is Mistaken for Opalite

   The two stones are frequently mistaken for one another due to their similar color, appearance, cut, and markings. Not only does the appearance of opalite vary, but the names given to it, such as opalite moonstone or opalite quartz, are sometimes intended to confuse the buyer. To understand the difference between the two, you need to have in-depth knowledge of both, otherwise there are chances of getting deceived or bluffed by a seller. There are a few characteristics that set them apart, like their weight, their composition, shine, and softness.

3. Moonstone is Prone to Breakage

   On the Mohs scale, the moonstone ranks between 6 and 6.5, but in spite of this, it is a very soft stone. Due to cleavage within the stone, it is prone to breakage. But proper care of the stone can ensure its longevity.

   Rings are easy to experience bumps and blows in everyday life. Thus, moonstone jewelry comes in the form of earrings and necklaces mostly. With the increasing popularity of moonstone and the rising trend of gemstones other than diamonds, designers are coming up with moonstone engagement rings as well.

   It is a smarter option to get a bezel setting, halo setting, or any other setting that ensures the protection of the stone.

4. Moonstone Carry Rich Symbolism

   Historically, ancient Romans believed moonstone came from the solidified rays of the moon. Diana, the goddess of the moon, was visible in the stone to them. Thus, they believed owning this stone meant getting blessed with gifts like love and wisdom. And for ancient Indians also, it was a sacred stone of love. They chose to gift it in marriage, as the stone would keep their love alive. Not only that, two individuals wearing moonstone at the same time can passionately fall in love. In addition to that, it has been a traveler's stone too. Ancient mariners wore it as an amulet. It would protect them, especially at night.

   Moonstone’s association with the moon, makes it a symbol of divine femininity. With the stone, we feel filled with feminine qualities like empathy, love, intuition, and compassion. Also, it is believed that just as the moon recycles itself every month, the moonstone helps you feel new and rejuvenated.

5. Moonstone is Used for its Spiritual Aspect

   As moonstone is known to carry mystical powers, mystics use it for meditation and healing. The stone is used in Ayurveda, Indian medicine. It is said that moonstone helps cure diseases like premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, period cramps, bloating and soothes the pregnancy and childbirth process.

   The moon is directly associated with the mind, and the stones representing the moon also automatically get connected to the mind. Wearing the moonstone promotes intuition, success, good fortune, and mental fortitude. It releases the stress and uplifts your current state. The wearer becomes more acceptable to change and fearless.

6. Moonstone can be Carved into Different Shapes

   Due to its softness, moonstone can be carved into unique shapes without much difficulty. But yes, it needs some expertise so that the stone doesn’t chip from anywhere. The gem cutters have to be careful in certain areas, like the girdle of moonstone, which has to be thicker than diamond shape, otherwise, it can lead to chipping.

7. Moonstone’s Phenomenal Glow Comes from Adularescence

   The moon gets its extraordinary glow from an optical phenomenon known as adularescence. The light’s movement on the stone has always been compared to moonlight reflecting on a still and calm body of water. The glowing light is an after result of light’s reflection from the thin feldspar layers, a mineral present within the gemstone. The layers soften the light and make it bounce around the stone. This process gives the moonstone its mesmerizing glow.

8. Moonstone doesn’t Come From Moon

   It is an old belief that moonstone comes from moonbeams. Its resemblance to the moon made people believe so. Like water reflects moon rays, similarly, moonstone reflects moving light. But in reality, moonstone is formed on the Earth during magma cooling. Orthoclase and albite solidify from the magma and create alternating layers that give the moonlight sheen to the gemstone.

9. Moonstone Comes From Different Parts of the world

   Moonstone is mined in Australia, the Austrian Aps, Mexico, Madagascar, Myanmar, the USA, Norway, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Tanzania, and India. Some fine quality moonstone can be found only in Sri Lanka, and the colorful versions and rainbow moonstone can be found only in Sri Lanka and Southern India. And the other countries contribute only the white moonstone. The most popular blue moonstone is mined in Bihar, India.

   Now, after knowing some interesting facts about moonstone, it's time to make it part of your jewelry collection. This wondrous stone will immediately make a place in your heart and fill it with more compassion and love. Wait no further to own one.

Moonstone Jewelry: How to Wear and Buy it?

Moonstone is a June birthstone, so people born in this month are recommended to wear it in the form of jewelry. Moonstone generally suits a variety of designs and settings, from boho to classic-style jewelry. Wearing moonstone jewelry offers you a unique sheen, versatility, and healing powers. Moonstone scores only 6 - 6.5 on mohs scale and is a very soft stone, but now, with everyday evolving trends, people are choosing stones other than diamonds for engagement rings. And moonstone is one of the popular choices.

It is used for both men's and women's jewelry. Sterling silver, titanium, and mixed metals are commonly used with the stone. You can find moonstone as a solitaire or in combination with other colored stones.

One thing that should keep in mind while getting a moonstone ring or a pendant, is to have them in a bezel setting, as it is the most secure setting and will help in protecting the stone.

Moonstone pendants in blue shimmer are very much preferred and mostly worn with moonstone earrings. And needless to say, moonstone earrings, like pearls, are quite classy and can be worn to suit various kinds of outfits and occasions. Moonstone bracelets are also available with small moonstone beads that look good with every type of metal. But before buying moonstone jewelry, here are the things you should carefully examine.

Moonstone and the Chakras

Moonstone is a fascinating gemstone that has been associated with various spiritual and metaphysical properties. In the context of chakras, which are energy centers in the body, moonstone is believed to have an impact on specific chakras.

Chakras are thought to be spinning wheels or vortexes of energy that correspond to different aspects of our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves.

Moonstone is most commonly associated with the Crown Chakra and the Third Eye Chakra:

Crown Chakra: The Crown Chakra is located at the top of the head and is associated with spiritual connection, higher consciousness, and enlightenment. Moonstone is said to stimulate and align this chakra, helping to open the mind to higher dimensions and spiritual insights.

Third Eye Chakra: The Third Eye Chakra is situated in the center of the forehead, just above the eyebrows. It is linked to intuition, psychic abilities, and inner wisdom. Moonstone is believed to activate this chakra, enhancing one's intuition and inner vision.

By working with moonstone, practitioners, and believers aim to balance and harmonize the energy flow within these chakras, promoting a sense of overall well-being, spiritual growth, and intuitive clarity. It is important to note that while many people find these connections meaningful and valuable, they are based on esoteric and spiritual beliefs rather than scientific evidence.

How to Clean and Care for your Moonstone Jewelry?

Here are some tips to care for your moonstone jewelry-

Cleaning: Use mild soap and warm water to clean the jewelry. Put the jewelry in water for a few minutes and gently wipe it with a soft cloth and brush. For grit and smudges, clean water is enough, but for stubborn marks, you can go for soapy water.

Storage: Keep it away from the harder gems like diamonds or ruby, as due to its softness, it is prone to chipping and scratches. Use a separate box that is coated with soft and padded cloth or velvet fabric.

Avoid heart chemicals: Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Refrain from using cleaners filled with harsh chemicals like detergents or coming in contact with cosmetics that might contain chemicals harmful to the stone.

• It is quite sensitive to temperature changes. So, save it from extreme heat and cold.

• It is not recommended to wear moonstone rings while practicing sports or working out in the gym.

• You can wear a moonstone on an everyday basis, especially if you’re spiritually inclined to it, attached to it or you have been told to wear it for astrological benefits. People can wear moonstone rings and other jewelry for many years with proper care and attention. Also, mystics and our ancients said, moonstone should be charged by the moonlight at regular intervals. Direct rays fill your stone with divine energy.

Final Thoughts:

With every glance you will feel more attracted to this magical stone. Such shimmers in a white stone is rare phenomena and the gem that calms and settles your energy is even more rare to find. Get the most attractive and finest pieces of moonstone jewelry at Rosec Jewels. Not only we assure the best quality stone but also something that you will cherish for years to come.

FAQs:

1. What is Moonstone good for?

   Moonstone is a good gemstone for emotional stability and stress, helps in stabilizing your emotions and evoke self acceptance. Moonstone promotes success and good fortune in love and business matters.

2. Where is Moonstone found?

   A moonstone is found mainly in Armenia, Australia, Mexico, Madagascar, Myanmar, India, Norway, Poland, Sri Lanka and United States. The most commercial moonstone come from Dumbara District, Sri Lanka.

3. Can Moonstone go in water?

   Yes it can! Moonstone is both porous and delicate gemstone, a moonstone can survive well in the water (for a short period of time).

4. How to charge Moonstone?

   The best way to charge your Moonstone is to keep your stone under the light of moon. Let it empower the stone with all the new and fresh energy (a full moon night would be great).

5. Are there any Negative Effects of wearing Moonstones?

   No, till now there are no negative side effects of wearing moonstones. Still, we advice you to seek for a advice of an expert, by thoroughly understanding it’s properties before wearing a moonstone.

6. Can Moonstone be used in Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands?

   Moonstone are perfect and distinctive choice for an engagement ring or wedding band, due to it’s ethereal glow and radiance. Moonstone’s captivating play of color make it an ideal choice for special occasions.