| Moonstone is a semi-precious gemstone | | | | sensuous and feminine character. About a |
| frequently incorporated into some of the most | | | | hundred years ago, Moonstone was also once a |
| modern, beautiful handmade jewelry in the | | | | very popular gem to set into jewelry, in the |
| world. It is most often found in shades of | | | | times of Art Nouveau. Moonstone populated |
| shimmering white, and is widely recognized as | | | | many jewelry designs created by the famous |
| the June Birthstone. But beyond its | | | | French Master Goldsmith, René Lalique, and |
| modern-day uses and associations, moonstone | | | | by his contemporaries. Nowadays, these |
| holds a decadent mythological, spiritual and | | | | creations can only be seen in museums or in |
| etymological history that adds nostalgic | | | | collections. |
| value to its already strong aesthetic worth. | | | | |
| Read on for more information that will help | | | | Moonstone has long been considered a sacred |
| you fall in love with your moonstone jewelry | | | | and magical gemstone. Centuries ago, the |
| - or inspire you to buy some today! | | | | shimmering adularescent property was thought |
| | | | to resemble the phases of waxing and waning |
| The name moonstone comes from the shimmering | | | | of the moon. In Arab countries, this stone |
| appearance this stone displays, which appears | | | | was sewn into woman's garments, because it |
| different whenever the stone moves. This | | | | was was believed to be the symbol of |
| phenomena is called adularescence. | | | | fertility. In India, Moonstone was called the |
| Adulerescence is due to the interior makeup | | | | "dream stone," as it was believed to bring |
| of scales or lamellas structure of the | | | | beautiful, sweet dreams. It is also thought |
| Moonstone. When incoming rays of light hit | | | | to symbolize the holistic view of the |
| these scales, it is refracted and scattered | | | | wearer--its soft shine will support the |
| into a unique play of light. | | | | dreamy, emotional tendencies of the person. |
| | | | These associations are what make Moonstone an |
| Moonstone is a variety of the species | | | | ideal choice for lovers, bringing forth |
| feldspar. On earth, two thirds of the stones | | | | feelings of tenderness and true love. |
| are varieties of Feldspars! Moonstone's | | | | Moonstone is also thought to bring about |
| particular orthoclase feldspar variety is | | | | mental clarity, balancing the ying/yang of |
| called "adularia," because it was found in | | | | the wearer, and an overall sense of comfort. |
| the European Alps near the Adula-group, and | | | | It is mined in Sri Lanka, and India, as well |
| also contains the silicate of potassium | | | | as Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, the United |
| aluminum in gemstone quality. Another synonym | | | | States and Tanzania. |
| for Moonstone is "Selenite," after Selene, | | | | |
| Greek goddess of the moon. | | | | Mohs' Hardness score is based on a 10 point |
| | | | scale where 10 is the most resistant, like a |
| Moonstone gemstones look best as parts of | | | | diamond, and 1 is easily scratched, such as |
| formal evening jewelry when paired with Black | | | | Talc. Moonstone gets a score of 6.-6.5, |
| Onyx, dark amethyst or black diamonds. More | | | | meaning that it is somewhat scratch resistant |
| casual combinations include softer contrasts | | | | and therefore suitable as a component of |
| of brilliant moonstone with rose quartz, | | | | jewelry. Moonstone gemstones should be |
| peridot or topaz. To see a selection of | | | | regularly cleaned by a professional or with a |
| handmade artisan jewelry featuring moonstone, | | | | soft rag and mild soap and water. Avoid |
| click here. Moonstone is typically considered | | | | ultra-sonic cleaners, solvents and harsh |
| a sophisticated gemstone that works well with | | | | chemicals when cleaning your handcrafted |
| any outfit. In earrings, it works especially | | | | jewelry as exposure to these elements can |
| well to enhance the luster of dark or light | | | | damage semi-precious and precious gemstones |
| blue eyes. | | | | and pearls. |
| | | | |
| Moonstone's body color comes in a large array | | | | Learn more about all semi-precious gemstones, |
| of hues: blues, green, orange and peaches, | | | | including amethyst, apatite, black onyx, blue |
| smoky beiges, and brown, dependent on the | | | | topaz, carnelian, chalcedony, citrine, coral, |
| origin of the stone. Sri Lanka was the first | | | | garnet, white topaz, crystal, diamond, |
| origin for Moonstone, which are a shimmering | | | | emerald, iolite, jade, Labradorite, |
| pale blue against an almost transparent | | | | moonstone, pearl, peridot, prehnite, rose |
| background. | | | | quarz, ruby, sapphire, smokey topaz, |
| | | | tanzanite, tourmaline and tourquoise when you |
| Moonstone is often considered the perfect | | | | check out this gemstone chart. |
| choice for jewelry designs that display | | | | |