Moonstone

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Jewelry 101--Colored Stones

Moonstone

Well known since ancient times, moonstones are usually polished as cabochons and used as beads and pendants. Though comprised of feldspar, the most abundant mineral group on earth, moonstone’s ethereal adularescense is unlike any other gemstone. With its shimmering beauty so reminiscent of the moon it’s no wonder moonstone is believed by many to have mystical powers.

Moonstone is composed of two feldspar minerals, orthoclase and albite.
Light falling between the thin, flat layers of moonstone is scattered in many directions which causes its adularescence.
Adularescent moonstone was once called “Adularia.” The name originated with a city in Switzerland, Mt. Adular (now St. Gotthard), that was one of the first sources of fine-quality moonstone.
Greater transparency in moonstone is more desirable, and the more transparency it has, the more valuable it is.
Moonstones with a bluish color sheen are very much in demand and are more valuable than the other types.
Moonstone is an alternate birthstone for June

Specs

Chemical Formula	Orthoclase Feldspar: KAlSi₃O₈ \| Plagioclase Feldspars: (Na,Ca)Al_1-2Si_3-2O₈	Mineral Class	Orthoclase, Oligoclase, and other members of the Feldspar group
Color	White, Colorless, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Brown, Pink, Purple, Gray
Crystal System	Triclinic or monoclinic	Hardness	6-6.5
Transparency	Transparent to translucent	Luster	Pearly
Refractory Index	1.518 - 1.526	Double Refraction	0.005 - 0.008

Legends

According to Hindu mythology moonstone is made of solidified moonbeams.

Many cultures also associate moonstone with moonlight.

Considered a good luck stone, many believed that holding a moonstone in the mouth during the full moon will bring visions of the future.

Since ancient times many cultures have believed that moonstone can attune its wearer to the natural rhythms of the moon.

Known for its calming, soothing aura, moonstone has been used to treat insomnia and sleepwalking, ward off nightmares, and promote vivid dreams.