Moonstone: Properties, Benefits & Meanings
Moonstone Overview
Moonstone gemstone is a variety of feldspar that gets its name from how it glistens in the moonlight. This gemstone was once only found in India, but today you can find it worldwide!
Moonstone has been used for centuries to create jewelry, and this stone remains popular today for its lovely color and exquisite shine. This article will take a look into the properties, meanings, and uses of this gemstone.
What Is A Moonstone Gemstone?
Moonstone is a stone that is found in the earth. It is a type of rock called orthoclase which is made up of many different minerals. The most common of these minerals are feldspar, which is a silicate mineral, and quartz, which is an oxide mineral.
These minerals can be found in igneous rocks such as granite or basalt. These two minerals combine to form Moonstone, which has been used for centuries as a gemstone and ornamental stone.
It is a translucent crystal that comes in many different colors and patterns. It’s often called a “stone of transition” because it can change color when exposed to various light sources.
Moonstone Appearance
The name Moonstone comes from its unique reflective property, which can be compared to the brightness of moonlight. This characteristic makes this type of gemstone extremely popular among people who value jewelry with shimmering qualities.
The gemstone is a type of feldspar that has an adularescent effect. The word “adularescent” means “to brighten.” This stone is named for its reflective qualities, and it can be white with a blue sheen or gray with a brown sheen.
This gem is often used in jewelry and exhibits pleochroism, meaning that under different light sources, it can appear in multiple colors. Its color will vary depending on the angle at which it is viewed.
This gem come in various colors, including white (considered rare), blue/green, yellow/brownish orange, peach, pink/red, and blackish-gray tones. It can even be colorless.
They may be transparent or translucent depending on how much light passes through them during daylight hours; however, some stones are opaque because they contain too many impurities.
How is It Formed?
Moonstone crystal is formed when small pieces of feldspar in granite are broken down by weathering and geological pressure into tiny fragments called “clasts.” These clasts are rounded by flowing water and cemented together by silica or other minerals.
Varieties of Moonstone
Blue Moonstone
Blue moonstone is the most common and popular of all varieties. It’s also the most affordable, which makes it an excellent choice for jewelry of all kinds.
It is colored by inclusions of cobalt or titanium, which are dark blue and sometimes show through to give a lovely two-toned effect.
Rainbow Moonstone
Rainbow type is a rare, iridescent stone with a unique color range that can be described as pale, milky white, blue-gray, and violet. The most common colors are white and blue, but this gem will sometimes appear greenish or yellowish in areas.
Rainbow type is a rare gem that comes in a variety of colors. It’s often confused with labradorite, a type of feldspar, but it has a distinctly different color palette.
Albite
Albite Moonstone is a gemstone that has a clear and clean white color. It is often confused with other types due to its similar appearance. Albite type is also known as snowflake obsidian, but it is not actually obsidian. Albite was named after the Latin word “albus,” which means “white”.
This type is used in jewelry and other forms of artwork. It has a very soft white color and is often used to create earrings or necklaces. It can also be used as part of an engagement ring or other piece of jewelry that has sentimental value.
Physical Properties
Moonstone crystal is a translucent to opaque crystal of orthoclase feldspar with a bright birefringence and internal reflection of the light on its surface.
| Mineral Group | Feldspar |
| Formula | (Na,Ca)Al₁₋₂Si₃₋₂O₈, KAlSi₃O₈ |
| Chemical name | Sodium potassium aluminium silicate |
| Color | Various |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 6-6.5 |
| Refractive Index | 1.518 – 1.526 |
| Fracture | Conchoidal to Uneven |
| Luster | Opalescent |
| Specific Gravity | 2.61 |
| Transparency | Translucent, Transparent |
Where Is It Found?
Moonstone is found in :
How To Tell If A Moonstone Is Real?
Moonstone crystal is a variety of feldspar, and it has a unique feature: adularescence. This means the stone takes on an iridescent glow when viewed under certain lighting conditions.
Adularescence can be seen in other minerals as well, but it’s not very common in stones like topaz or quartz. The primary test for adularescence is to hold the stone up to a light source and see whether or not it glows.
Another way to tell if your stone is genuine is by performing the scratch test. This stone is relatively soft. On the Mohs scale, it has a hardness of 6-6.5. This means that it cannot be scratched by the glass but can be scratched by harder materials such as quartz.
Gently scratch the surface of your gem with another piece of glass and see if it leaves a groove. If so, then you’ve got yourself some faux piece! Real stone cannot be scratched by glass but may be marked by harder gemstones.
A third way to test whether or not your sample is genuine would be by its temperature. When you hold a natural piece, it should be cool to touch for a few seconds. Unfortunately, synthetic stones do not have this quality.
Moonstone Value
The price of Moonstone crystal will vary depending on color, quality, cut, and whether it’s natural or lab-created (lab-created is more common than natural).
Natural stones are rarer than those created through science, so they cost more than lab-created ones; however, both types can be pretty expensive since they are so sought after by jewelers and collectors alike!
Cut: The cut of the stone plays a vital role in determining its price. It is a lovely stone that can be cut in many ways, but the most popular is cabochon.
You should look for a stone with a smooth surface and good clarity to ensure it’s the real thing, not glass or lab-created. In general, the smoother the dome of the gem and the more uniform its color gradation, the higher it will be valued.
Color: The most common color is blue, but it can also be found in pink, yellow, green, and white. The most sought-after stones are those with white or blue flashes—these have been known to sell for up to $30k per carat! The best oiece has a soft blue color and are translucent without any visible inclusions.
Quality: The price also varies depending on its quality. A good quality gemstone can cost anywhere from $15-20 per carat. If a stone has an interesting shape or color, it will cost more than a standard piece cut in a round shape. The prices vary from $10 per carat for low-quality stones to more than $1,000 for high-quality stones.
Moonstone History
The history of Moonstone crystal dates back to the 1600s, when it was first discovered in Sri Lanka. These gemstones have been used for many different purposes throughout history.
The stone has been considered sacred throughout history by many cultures worldwide, including Native Americans and East Indians. The meaning of such stones differs from culture to culture.
Still, they all consider them as having mystical or protective powers that can help achieve inner balance, promote healing or bring luck into someone’s life when worn on an everyday basis.
In ancient times, people thought the stone could protect them from evil spirits and bad luck. They also believed that wearing a moonstone would bring good fortune and happiness to their lives.
In addition to being used as jewelry, these stones have also been used as gem arts such as cabochons or carvings because they are so beautiful!
Chakra Connection
The Moonstone crystal is a beautiful stone that corresponds with the Crown chakra. The crown chakra is located at the top of your head and governs your spiritual connection to the universe. Additionally, it is used as a tool for healing, so it’s no surprise that this stone can provide you with some of the same benefits.
The Moonstone can help you connect with your higher self and increase your intuition about situations or people in your life. This means that if something is bothering you, this stone will help you figure out what the issue is and how to deal with it effectively.
If you’re having trouble sleeping at night or feel like things are getting too chaotic in your life, try wearing a necklace or bracelet! They’re easy to come by online or at local jewelry stores, so pick up one today!
Metaphysical Properties
Moonstone is a stone that is used for spiritual growth and protection. It enhances intuition, balances emotions, and brings about positive change.
Historically, the gemstone have been used for healing and cleansing the body, mind, and spirit. It is believed to help one recognize their faults and weaknesses, so they may overcome them to grow into a more loving and compassionate person. It is also said to help release emotional blocks within the body, allowing you to move forward confidently.
The stone can be used during meditation or by themselves to aid in meditation by helping you focus on your breathing and empty your mind so you can receive guidance from your higher self.
They can also be worn as jewelry in the form of earrings or pendants to help you stay grounded while working with others on projects or tasks at home to find balance within yourself and externally with others around you.
Moonstone Meaning And Uses
- Moonstone is a stone used for centuries to reflect the moon’s energy. It’s a beautiful stone to use for protection and healing.
- The gemstoneis found in many cultures, including India and China. It has been used for thousands of years to ward off evil spirits, bring good fortune, and protect travelers.
- It’s an especially great stone to use if you require support during a period of change.
- The stonel can be used as an aid for meditation, as it helps with focus and concentration by calming your mind and body.
- It’s also believed to open up your intuition, so you can better understand your thoughts and feelings.
- It’s believed that Moonstone helps cure nervousness, anxiety, irritability, and insomnia and may even help with balancing hormones.
- Moonstone is known for its ability to clear up confusion or misunderstandings between two people who are having trouble communicating.
- Moonstone crystal has been used for centuries in jewelry and beauty products. The Romans believed moonstones were formed by drops of moonlight falling into the water, while Native Americans thought they were created by tears from the goddess Diana when Jupiter turned her into a comet.
- Moonstone crystals are usually associated with protection and intuition—they help you see past illusions and see things as they are. Because of this, they’re often used for protection against curses, hexes, and other adverse effects.
- They’re also used for grounding purposes; people who use them say they help them feel more connected to nature and less affected by stressors in their lives.
- These gemstones are great for people who want something pretty but don’t want anything too flashy or ostentatious—they come in various colors, so you can find one that suits your style perfectly!
How To Take Care Of Moonstone Jewelry?
Cleaning Moonstone Jewelry:
- Moonstone is a very delicate stone and should be cleaned with care. Do not use ultrasonic or steam cleaners on jewelry, as these can cause it to break down into dust.
- You can use warm soapy water to clean Moonstone jewelry.
- If the piece has been exposed to chemicals such as perfume or smoke, you will want to soak it in a solution made from baking soda and water for an hour before attempting any cleaning method.
- If your jewelry has become scratched over time or looks dull, consider taking it to a professional for polishing; this will bring back its shine!
- Burn white sage or other cleansing materials to remove any leftover negative energy
- Recharge your stone by (bury in the ground, leave overnight during a full moon, pour salty water over it for a few minutes).
FAQs
Is Moonstone a gem or a crystal?
Moonstone is considered a gemstone but is sometimes referred to as a crystal.
It’s a bit of a grey area, but we’re going with “gem” here because it has more commercial value than just being a crystal. Even though they are both precious stones and used in jewelry and other decorative pieces, Moonstone has been valued for their natural beauty since ancient times.
Is Moonstone a birthstone?
Moonstone crystal is an alternative birthstone for June babies. It’s especially good for people born in the first half of the month because they are said to be more dreamy and imaginative than those born in the second half of June. It is also associated with intuition, sensitivity, and creativity.
Do moonstones glow in the dark?
While Moonstone does have the same sort of “glow” as moonlight, it doesn’t glow in the dark.
The reason for this is simple: only certain minerals can absorb light and then re-emit it as another color (like blue or green), and orthoclase feldspar isn’t one of them.
It does get its name from one particular property: when light hits the stone at just the right angle, it reflects at you with an almost ethereal glow. This has led some people to believe that Moonstones have other magical powers, too—but it’s just an optical illusion!
How rare is a moonstone?
Moonstones are fairly common, but their rarity is due mainly to the fact that they’re often confused with other types of stones (like moonstone imitations).
Moonstones are quite beautiful and can be found in many different colors. The most common color is blue, but you can also find them in green, yellow/orange/brown, red/pink/purple, white, or black (usually treated).
What gemstones go best with Moonstone?
Moonstones can be worn with a lot of different gemstones. They are versatile stones and pair well with many different colors.
If you want to wear Moonstone with other gems, try pairing it with the following: Black Spinel, sunstone, aventurine, sapphires, and rubies.
