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Moonstone Healing Properties, Facts and Photos

oval moonstone cabochon with iridescent blue flash
Contents

1. What is Moonstone?
2. More About Moonstone
3. Moonstone Healing Properties
4. Article Photos
5. Shop Moonstone

What is Moonstone?

Moonstone is a trade name for any variety of feldspar that exhibits a pearlescent or silky lustre.  Stones that exhibit a blue flash are sold as rainbow moonstone.

For a stone to be categorised as 'moonstone' it must exhibit one of these optical phenomena. 

'Moonstone' is composed of three different types of feldspar.  The amount present varies from one stone to the next. 

The most common type is adularia followed by albite. These minerals have a similar chemical composition but different crystal structure.

The third type of feldspar often found in moonstone is anorthite.  It's only present in very small quantities. 

Moonstone can be found in several colours including pink, cream, white and black.  The colour depends on the type of feldspar present.

It can be translucent to almost transparent.  In the finest grade stones the optical phenomenon can be quite impressive.  It's caused by the scattering or diffraction of light.

The blue sheen that can be seen in moonstone is known as schiller.  The word which comes from German is believed to be an old German word for 'twinkle'.

The word 'adularescence' is also used which comes from the the mineral adularia.  Adularia is a rock forming variety of orthoclase.

Labradorescence is a term used when the same phenomenon is seen in labradorite.

Moonstone tends to be shaped as a cabochon because it enhances the schiller or adularescence.

Most rainbow moonstone currently on the market comes from India.  In many cases it's actually white labradorite which is a different type of feldspar to moonstone.  

In coloured varieties of 'moonstone' a milky white glow can often be seen which originates from beneath the surface. 

Moonstone was once described as having the appearance of lunar light floating on water.  It's believed this is how the name 'moon stone' came about.

Although a milky white sheen is most commonly observed, hues of orange or blue can also sometimes be seen.white moonstone rough mineral with a flash of blue colour caused by the reflection of light

More About Moonstone

Moonstone has a long history and has been used as a gemstone for thousands of years.  In the biblical garment known as the high priest breastplate scholars believe a white moonstone was the third stone in the second row.

The Romans used moonstone in jewellery and believed it was moonlight in a magical solid form.  It was especially revered during a full moon.

In Europe during the Middle Ages it was believed if you gazed at moonstone for long enough you would fall into a deep sleep that would predict the future.

In India moonstone has long been considered to be sacred and continues to be widely used today.

Moonstone has always been used in jewellery but during the early part of the 20th century it became even more popular.  It was widely used in Art Nouveau jewellery because designers were looking for stones with a mystical appearance and unique properties.

It was also very popular in the 1960's. 
 
Some of the world's finest moonstone comes from Myanmar (formerly Burma) and Sri Lanka.  Deposits can also be found in Brazil, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Tanzania and the USA.

On the Modern and Mystical charts moonstone is the birthstone for June.  Pearl, alexandrite and emerald can be used as alternatives.  On the Ayurvedic chart moonstone is the birthstone for September.

On Mohs scale of mineral hardness moonstone grades 6 to 6.5.

Moonstone has a tendency to break along planes of weakness within its crystal structure.

Moonstone Healing Properties

Moonstone is a stone of new beginnings.  All types irrespective of colour share this healing property. 

Moonstone is closely connected to the cycles of the moon.  It symbolises change and transformation.

Whether you're going through a major change in life or embarking on a new venture, moonstone can help you embrace and adapt to your new situation.

Moonstone provides a fresh start when moving on from past trauma or emotional wounds. It aids in releasing patterns of behaviour that no longer serve a purpose.  It allows you to let go of negative emotions, old habits and stagnant energy.

This creates space for physical and emotional renewal.  It brings joy, light and promotes a renewed sense of enthusiasm.

The healing properties of moonstone protects those who travel.  It's also popular as a talisman to bring luck.schiller in moonstoneIt stimulates confidence and composure and is a reminder that everything is part of a cycle of change.  It's a crystal for lucid dreaming which can enhance metaphysical ability and the power of clairvoyance.

Moonstone is connected to balance and femenine energy.  The association is linked to the belief that the cycles of the moon mirror the cycles of a woman's fertility. This connection has its roots in ancient mythology and cultural symbolism rather than scientific evidence.

Looked upon as a stone of intuition and nurturing qualities, it's believed wearing or carrying moonstone can help attune one's energy to the cycles of the moon and facilitate a deeper connection to the feminine aspects of life.

Moonstone is often used for love and romance. It's believed to enhance the chances of attracting new love and strengthens the emotional connection within an existing relationship.

The most effective way to charge moonstone is beneath the light of a full moon.

Article Photos

The moonstone at the top of our article was once part of our collection. The second photo is courtesy of Géry Parent. The image is clickable and redirects to the original photo.

The moonstone in the final photo is a royalty free image. 

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