Moonstone: May

Each month, I will post about my favourite crystals and their properties.

Moonstone is a gemstone that has a rich and fascinating history that spans many cultures and time periods. Here is an overview of the history of moonstone:

Ancient Rome: Moonstone was highly prized by the ancient Romans, who believed that the stone was formed from the light of the moon. They often wore moonstone jewellery and used the stone to decorate their homes.
Ancient India: In ancient India, moonstone was considered a sacred stone and was believed to bring good luck and protection to the wearer. It was also associated with the goddess of the moon, and many Hindu myths and legends feature moonstones.
Middle Ages: During the Middle Ages, moonstone was believed to have magical properties and was often used in amulets and talismans. It was thought to protect against evil spirits and promote health and longevity.
18th and 19th centuries: In the 18th and 19th centuries, moonstone became popular in Europe and the United States. It was often used in Victorian jewellery and was particularly popular in mourning jewellery, as it was believed to help ease grief and promote emotional healing.

Today, moonstone continues to be a popular gemstone, prized for its shimmering, iridescent quality and its association with femininity, intuition, and emotional healing. It is still used in jewellery and is often given as a gift to celebrate special occasions or to show love and appreciation. Whether you are a gemstone enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of moonstone, its rich history and timeless allure make it a stone worth knowing about.

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Moonstone is a variety of the mineral feldspar, which is a common group of rock-forming minerals found throughout the world. Moonstone is composed of a type of feldspar called orthoclase, which is potassium aluminum silicate.

The iridescence or sheen that moonstone is famous for is caused by light interference from tiny layers of feldspar that are stacked in the stone’s structure. When light enters the stone, it is scattered and refracted by the thin layers of feldspar, causing a shimmering effect known as adularescence. The exact amount and arrangement of the feldspar layers can vary from stone to stone, resulting in different levels of sheen and colour.

The name “moonstone” is derived from the stone’s resemblance to the moon’s ethereal glow. Moonstone comes in a range of colours, including white, cream, yellow, blue, green, and peach, and can be transparent, translucent, or opaque.

Moonstone is found in many locations around the world, including Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Myanmar, and the United States. Some of the most prized moonstone comes from Sri Lanka, where it is known as Ceylon moonstone.

In addition to its aesthetic qualities, moonstone is believed to have healing properties and is associated with emotional balance, intuition, and feminine energy. It is sometimes used in alternative medicine and crystal healing practices.