Moonstone, also known as “lunar stone” or “moonstone”, is a feldspar mineral renowned for its captivating adularescence. This phenomenon occurs due to the alternating layers of orthoclase and albite that scatter light, creating a shimmering blue-white glow. Historically referred to as “ice feldspar,” the name originates from the Swiss mountain Adualr (now Saint-Gotthard), a key source of high-quality moonstone.
The delicate blue sheen of moonstone, resembling moonlight with its translucent texture, makes it appear like a miniature moon—gentle and enchanting. Frequently paired with sapphires and diamonds in jewelry, moonstone’s cool tones exude a mysterious allure. Its unique glow contributed to its fame, notably seen in the “Twilight” series, where the protagonist Bella frequently wore a moonstone ring, symbolizing its understated elegance.
Effects of Moonstone
As the “lover’s stone“, Moonstone is believed to promote love and romance, help resolve emotional conflicts, and enhance the relationship between couples.
It has a gentle energy and strong penetration, which can promote sleep. It can make your mind fresh and help the brain think. It can broaden people’s horizons and expand people’s minds. It can help the wearer relax, reduce stress, and improve emotional stability.
Meaning:
Moonstone is believed to inspire tender love and highlight the wearer’s positive nature. It is also believed to have deep emotional healing functions, improve emotional intelligence, soothe people’s emotional fluctuations, and quickly restore people’s inner peace.
Colors of Moonstone
Moonstone comes in various colors, including colorless, yellow, orange, and brown. Its adularescence can be clear blue, white, or multicolored. The most prized moonstones exhibit a blue sheen, followed by bright white hues, with a smooth texture and high transparency. Due to its medium hardness, moonstone is prone to chipping under impact, so careful handling is essential.
Types of Moonstone
- Moonstone is categorized based on its physical properties and visual characteristics:
- Rainbow Moonstone: Features a multicolored adularescence.
- Glassy Moonstone: Displays a glass-like appearance.
- Cream Moonstone: Exhibits a creamy, translucent sheen.
- Cat’s Eye Moonstone: Shows a cat’s eye effect with a reflective line across the surface.
The rarest form is the glassy blue moonstone, which, although colorless, displays a blue sheen. Rainbow moonstone features a spectrum of colors, while Cat’s Eye moonstone reveals a distinctive eye-like reflection.
Origins of Moonstone
Significant sources of moonstone include Sri Lanka, particularly from Ambalangoda, Dumbara, and Kandy regions, where it is found in alluvial gravel. India also produces moonstones with color variations from reddish-brown to blue and green. Other sources include Myanmar, Brazil, Madagascar, the United States, Australia, and China, where some believe ancient Chinese He Shi Bi was a type of moonstone.
Legends and Symbolism
Moonstone has been revered as a gift from the moon goddess, imbued with irresistible, mystical power. Legends suggest that wearing moonstone during a full moon enhances one’s chances of meeting a better lover, earning it the name “Stone of Lovers.” It symbolizes friendship and love, making it a cherished gift for loved ones.
Native Americans regard moonstone as a “sacred stone” and the gemstone for a 13th wedding anniversary. Ancient Indians referred to it as a holy stone, and it is still considered a lucky charm today. In maritime cultures, moonstone is known as the “Traveler’s Stone,” believed to guide sailors safely and protect them during night voyages.
Moonstone is also known as the “Stone of Hope,” said to provide insight into the future. During the waning moon, holding a moonstone while praying to the moon goddess is believed to fulfill one’s wishes. In 1938, the American National Retail Jewelers Association designated moonstone as June’s birthstone, further cementing its global popularity.