Moonstone is colourless, very translucent, or almost perfectly transparent feldspar, which in certain direction reflects a bluish, milky light that has been compared to the light of the moon. Moonstone is not excessively expensive and being moderately rare is a good investment. In India, it is regarded as a holy, magical gemstone. This attractive and calm looking stone is said to have astrological properties of a pearl.
Moonstone along with alexandrite and pearls are birthstones of Gemini. The timeframe ranges from May 21 to June 21. Moonstone is the 13th marriage anniversary stone.
Origin of Moonstone
Moonstone owes its name to the white, almost magical shimmer that resembles moonshine. 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. Moonstone was very popular with the Romans, who thought it was formed out of moonlight, also used in Roman jewellery since 100 AD. The best moonstone is mainly found in Sri Lanka, India, Brazil, USA, Madagascar, Burm, Tanzania, Australia, Mexico.
Appearance of Moonstone
Blue-whitish light glides over the surface when the stone is cut cabochon. Incoming rays of light are refracted inside the stone and scattered. Thus, it is creating a unique play of light, which makes Moonstone so special and coveted. Moonstone is fairly soft. The clarity of Moonstone ranges from transparent to translucent. The best moonstone has a blue sheen, perfect clarity, and a colourless body colour.
Colour of Moonstone
The reflection of colour and light from three dimensions is a feature of a moonstone. The valuation depends on this property and the depth of the stone. Even though usually white, this gemstone can be found in several other colours. The Blue moonstone is very popular for its beauty and effects. Other than blue there are green, grey, peach and rainbow coloured moonstones.
Variety of Moonstone
There are two main varieties of moonstone, "Adularia" which is the common type of moonstone and usually come from Burma and Ceylon. This variety displays a white to blue sheen and the body colours maybe white, blue or reddish brown and "Albite" which is a sodium-rich variety of the moonstone.
Benefits of Moonstone
Moonstones are known to attract good fortune and assisting in predicting the future. It enhances intuition and promotes inspiration. It brings success in the matters of love and business and is considered to be a travelling stone.
Moonstone aligns vertebrae. It is a good digestive aid. It is an excellent Gemstone for women as it has a positive impact on their hormonal balance. It eases pain during menstruation and childbirth.
