Despite the belief that moonstone fell from the sky, the gem comes from earth. Moonstone is a member of the orthoclase feldspar mineral family. It is a combination of potassium aluminum silicate. The stones have a crystal structure that shimmers when the light hits them. The shimmer effect is called adularescence. Moonstone jewelry is cut into a smooth cabochon shape to enhance the effect.
Moonstones are translucent with a sheen that resembles pearls and opals. The gems come in a variety of colors–white, gray, peach, pink, yellow, blue and green. Some types are completely transparent and others are colorless. Rainbow moonstone, which is an iridescent white or gray with a blue sheen in the light, is the most popular type. The higher quality moonstones have a high degree of shimmer.
Moonstone is found in Sri Lanka, Brazil, Madagascar, India, Germany, Tanzania, Mexico, Australia and the United States. The rarest forms of moonstone originate in Sri Lanka.
Moonstone Lore
Moonstone lore crosses cultures. The ancient Greeks called the gem Aphroselene in honor of the goddesses Aphrodite and Selene. The Romans claimed the goddess Diana could be seen in every moonstone. In ancient Asia, they believed the gem was a solid ray of moonlight filled with good spirits. Moonstone was revered in India as a symbol of the third eye. Europeans gazed into moonstone to invoke prophetic dreams during the Middle Ages. Moonstone has also been associated with the Archangel Haniel, whose name means Glory of God. Most goddess lore ties to the gem.
Known as talisman for protection, health and good fortune, moonstone was called the traveler’s stone, it was used for protection on journeys. Many believed that the gem calmed anxiety and promoted harmonious relationships.
Couples wore the gem to help them have a happy future without strife. It was also believed that two people could fall passionately in love if they saw each other during a full moon while one of them wore moonstone. In fact, during Victorian times, moonstone rings were often used as engagement rings.
Some stories say that one could predict the future if you placed moonstone in your mouth and gazed at a full moon. Amulets of moonstone were also hung in fruit trees to encourage an abundant harvest season.
Moonstone has always been connected with femininity and motherhood. Many believed the gems healed feminine health problems such as menstrual cramps or infertility and protected the health of pregnant women. Moonstone is also one of the birthstones for June, along with pearl and alexandrite.
Today moonstone is still connected with ancient lore. While many simply wear the moonstone for decoration, others use moonstone for talismans, healing and spiritual purposes. Moonstone gem facts include both medicinal and metaphysical uses.
Medicinal Properties
Moonstone is sometimes incorporated in healing therapy for the following health concerns:
Reduces stress or anxiety
Treats female hormone imbalance
Helps menstrual problems and relieves premenstrual syndrome
Increases fertility
Enhances libido
Prevents epileptic seizures
Cures digestive issues
Rids the body of toxins
Gets rid of a headache
Prevents sun stroke
Stops a nose bleed
Practiced for centuries, some people still use moonstone for medicinal purposes.
