All colors of the rainbow
MOONSTONE
Moonstone Origin & Physical Properties
Moonstone is a name which encompasses both true moonstone, which is orthoclase, a potassium feldspar, and Rainbow Moonstone which is actually a variety of labradorite. The name Moonstone is born from its visual effect, called schiller or adularescence, caused by micro layers of lamellae which refract and bend the light as it travels through the stone.
Orthoclase Moonstone is found in colors ranging from white, to grey, blue, pink, peach, green, brown and nearly black. Even high quality orthoclase Moonstone gems are relatively affordable compared to its closely related sibling Rainbow Moonstone.
Rainbow Moonstone, or white Labradorite, has become incredibly popular in the gem world. High quality stones with strong blue-fire can fetch prices similar to that of normally much more expensive gemstones like Rubellite Tourmaline and Aquamarine. Rainbow Moonstone is typically included, however these inclusions are also what disperse the light and create the prized adularescence they are famous for. Gems with less inclusions may exhibit less flash, but often have a deep blue sheen, rather than a rainbow effect.
Rainbow Moonstone, as its name implies, can exhibit every color of the rainbow in its flashing sheen. With a general background color of white, Moonstone’s schiller can exhibit yellow, red, green and blue. Today, most high quality rough comes from Indian mines, as well as Sri Lanka and Madagascar.
| Category | Properties |
|---|---|
Chemical Composition |
(Na,Ca)Al1-2Si3-2O8 |
Mohs Hardness |
6 - 6.5 |
Luster |
Vitreous to Pearly |
Specific Gravity |
2.56 - 2.62 |
Refractive Index |
1.518 - 1.526 |
Fluorescence |
Inert to blue (and pinkish) |
Crystal System |
Monoclinic |
Diaphaneity |
Transparent to translucent |
Color |
White, blue, yellow |
Origin |
Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Madagascar, Brazil,India |
Chakra |
Third eye (6th), Crown (7th) |
Zodiac |
Cancer |
Element |
Water, wind |
Metaphysical Effects |
Oneness & wisdom, universal truth, dispels negativity, balancing |
Moonstone Healing & Metaphysical Properties
Moonstone embodies the mystical inner-world of the night, the flashes of the moon’s light reflecting off of the water’s surface. Moonstone is a sacred stone for the inward journey into the subconscious where we confront our deepest fears and defeat them by bringing them into the light.
Moonstone can enhance intuition and tune the inner-ear to subtle guidance. Just as the moon rules our emotional body, so moonstone can be used as a tool to clear emotional blockages and empower the heart with a calm confidence. It is a gemstone associated with the sacred Feminine and can help to balance the hemispheres of the yin and yang. Its nurturing beauty is excellent for reducing stress and fostering a sense of well-being.
Moonstone is associated with the third-eye and crown chakras, creating a strong bridge of communication between the seat of consciousness and our connection to the Divine. An excellent stone for meditation, you can place a moonstone on the third-eye or forehead during a crystal layout to consciously connect with its mystical energies. You can place your moonstone in the light of the full moon to reenergize and activate its potency.
In the Zodiac, Moonstone is a birthstone of Cancer and is particullary effective as an energetic tool of healing for people born under this sign.
Moonstone History & Mythology
In Vedic mythology, Moonstone is an important gem, representing the physical manifestation of moonlight. It was a stone that also symbolized love and good fortune. The goddess of the moon, Chandra, is depicted with a moonstone set on her crown.
Ancient Greeks and Romans continued the mythological beliefs of ancient India, with Moonstone also personifying the energies of the moon in their mythologies. The Greeks connected the goddess of Love, Aphrodite, with the goddess of the moon, Selene, naming the gem “Aphroselene”. The Romans connected Moonstone with the goddess Diana, queen of the Moon and the open night sky.
In Ancient China, there was a myth that the most legendary of Moonstones were carried in from the sea at high tide every 21 years. Moonstone was thought to have a living spirit held within it, bringing good fortune and love to the wearer.
More recently, Moonstone rose to great popularity and fame during the Art Nouveau period. It was used frequently by many master jewelers, including the legendary French goldsmith Rene Lalique.