 Moonstone owes its name to the white, almost magical shimmer that resembles moonshine. Blue-whitish light glides over the surface when the stone is cut cabochon. Incoming rays of light are refracted inside the stone and scattered, creating a unique play of light, which makes Moonstone so special and coveted. Moonstone is the most well known potassium feldspar of the orthoclase species. A combination of orthoclase and albite arranged in layers cause the lovely sheen. Moonstone is fairly soft. Its refractive index is 6-6.5 in Mohs scale and also it issensitive to pressure.
Peace and tranquility is associated with the moonstone along with the romanticism of night. This attractive and calm looking stone is said to have astrological properties of a pearl. The name moonstone or selenite was due to its electric blue transparent color. It can also be the cause for the folklore attached to it, which goes that phases of moon`s transition can be seen on this stone. A ring made of moonstone jewelry can make magic with or without its magical properties. The association of moonstone to love, dream and magic was done from the ancient times in various cultures. The reflection of color and light from three dimensions is a feature of a moonstone. The valuation depends on this property and the depth of the stone. Other than blue there are green, grey, peach and rainbow colored moonstones. Before the moonstone is cut it lacked all shine and shimmer which is the main characteristics of the gem stone.
The clarity of Moonstone ranges from transparent to translucent. The best moonstone has a blue sheen, perfect clarity, and a colorless body color. Blue Moonstones in fine qualities are becoming increasingly short in supply and push up the prices accordingly. Really top quality fine blue Moonstone show an incredible `three-dimensional` depth of color, which one will see clearly only when playfully tilting the stone and moving it. Moonstone along with alexandrite and pearls are birthstones of Gemini. The timeframe ranges from May 21 to June 21. Moonstone is the 13th anniversary stone.
 Fine moonstone is quite rare and becoming rarer. It is mined in Sri Lanka and Southern India. The rainbow variety can be found in India and Madagascar as well. Moonstones are usually cut in a smooth-domed oval cabochon shape to maximize the effect. Sometimes they are carved to show a man-in-the-moon face. Moonstone has a hardness of 6 to 6.5. It should not be stored in contact with other gemstones to prevent scratching. The stone should be cleaned with mild dish soap. Also a toothbrush can be used to scrub behind the stone where dust usually is collected.
Moonstone is not excessively expensive and being moderately rare is a good investment. The finest stones are those of a slightly bluish tint, reminiscent of the colour of the moon. In India, it is regarded as a holy, magical gemstone. Moonstones are also regarded as `dream stones` which bring the wearer beautiful visions at night. In Arab countries women often sew moonstone into their garments, because it`s considered a symbol of fertility. It is also said that wearing a moonstone strengthens someone`s intuition and capacity to understand. The transparent moonstones are more valuable. Moonstone cat`s eye and multi-rayed star moonstone are also known. But these are rare.
Moonstone can be easily scratched. These should be stored carefully and should never allow touching two specimens together. Moonstone was very popular with the Romans, who thought it was formed out of moonlight, also used in Roman jewelry since 100 AD. In India moonstone is considered a sacred stone to this day.
 The moonstones that have a rainbow-like array of colors are the best to buy. The best moonstone has a blue sheen, perfect clarity, and a colorless body color. It is often worn in rings, pendants or bead necklaces.
Moonstone aligns vertebrae. It is good digestive aid. Moonstone also soothes and balances the emotions. Moonstone is believed to be protective for women and babies. It`s also associated with the sea and planting cycles. Moonstone is said to balance yin and yang. In India, moonstone is regarded as a sacred stone. It is believed to bring good fortune. Legend says that Moonstone is a highly prized gift for lovers as it arouses tender passion.
Other Gemstones
Gemstones for Planets
See Also
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