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Posts Tagged ‘moonstone’

SUNSTONE AND GOLDSTONE ARE NOT THE SAME!

September 6th, 2011

We talked about Feldspar awhile back, and how pretty they are… but I want to stop for a moment this month to talk about the difference between Natural Sunstone Feldspar (often aka Indian Sunstone or Oregon Sunstone) and commonly misidentified “Goldstone”, which is a derivative of natural or manmade glass by-products. I’ll keep to generalities here, but hopefully will add some clarity to this matter before this short article is spent!

In the June 2006 Gemstone Article, I said that “Sunstone is… a neighboring Feldspar to both Moonstone and Labradorite…” To add to that information, Indian Sunstone is particularly popular right now, with the nicest specimens being a deep orange/coppery sienna color with gorgeous inner sheen ~ much like the adularescence and labradorescence in Moonstone and Labradorite, respectively. Sunstone is a Feldspar crystal formed in molten lava when a certain combination of chemical elements are present at certain high temperatures, and then discharged onto the surface of the earth by volcanic activity. The crystals are released as lava wears away or is disrupted. While color preferences obviously vary, the deep orange/sienna color Sunstones with brilliant inner shiller like this one are considered to be highly desirable.

Now to contrast with Sunstone, let’s switch gears and talk a tiny bit about Goldstone. In January 2006 Gemstone Article, Goldstone was talked about, and I said: “Many argue that Goldstone is a bonified gemstone, standing next to natural wonders like Amethyst (in the Quartz family)… but still others say, ‘Man touched it ~ it’s no gemstone.’ Goldstone was originally a medium brown/orange color with tiny glitter, which is actually tiny copper chips imbedded in a glass stone base. Now, many times the glass stone base is NATURAL glass, such as Aventurine or Obsidian. Most of the time, however, additives are mixed in, and only remnants of the natural glass remain, becoming a man-made product more than any kind of gemstone.” This is NOT a gem created in the earth, nor is it igneous.

Now to the conclusion: SUNSTONE AND GOLDSTONE ARE NOT THE SAME! Now, from the descriptions, you can understand how they are different, right? Well, vendors on the internet, including but not limited to those on sites like eBay, are selling Goldstone (glass w/ copper specks) as natural Indian Sunstone (igneous, natural rock material mined in regions such as Oregon USA and in various places of India)! This is not only an incredible disservice to the customers they are misleading (or perhaps they are uneducated themselves), but it is also a disservice to the gemstone, Sunstone!

Sunstone is an incredible gemstone, and deserves to be named and identified properly! Goldstone has its place, but is absolutely NO SUBSTITUTE for Sunstone Feldspar ~ not even close! There are, of course, several colors of Sunstone ~ but we are really discussing the deep colors of high quality Indian Sunstone in this article ~ which is most commonly mistaken with Goldstone

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MOONSTONE

July 30th, 2011

Moonstone is actually a variety of oligoclase crystal and is a member of feldspar family of minerals. Some folks also refer to oligoclase as sunstone and can be found in colors ranging from yellow to orange. Moonstones are commonly found in several colors including green and pale yellow or blue and often translucent or colourless with a noticeable blue or white shimmer. This is a relative soft stone and can be easily scratched if the wearer is not careful. Cleaning usually requires no more than mild soap and water. Avoid the use of harsh cleaners and abrasives so as not to score the surface of the stone. Synthetic stones are available on the market and care should be taken when looking for genuine oligoclase. Genuine high quality moonstone is not commonly used as costume jewellery. 

History

This stone can be found in such diverse areas of the world as the United States, principally in Virginia, Brazil, Europe, India and Mexico and even the Alps in Europe. The stones of the highest quality are thought to come from the island nation of Sri Lanka. The use of moonstone as a gemstone dates back to the Roman Empire. More recently, the stone was very popular in at the turn of the twentieth century and became a prominent part of the Art Nouveau movement. The stone has been growing in popularity in North America and has been a gemstone favourite in Europe for much longer time. 

Birthstone Information

Moonstone is one of two stones recognized as birthstones for the month of June, the other being alexandrite. Though not technically a gemstone, pearl also represents the month of June. Moonstone is associated with the astrological birth sign of Cancer.

New Age Beliefs and Powers through the Ages

The moonstone is considered by many to be a lovers stone with the ability to inspire great feelings if passion and commitment. In certain cultures such as in India, the stone is regarded as blessed or holy and is thought to bring good fortune to the wearer. In some cultures the stone was thought to make the wearer invisible and is now believed by some in the New Age community to impart a level of spiritual permanence or even immortality to the wearer. Small children and infants are thought to be granted certain protections by owning the stone. 

Artificial Forms of Enhancement

There are no known treatment methods used to enhance the color or appearance of this stone. 

Color

Moonstone is typically can be found in color can range from white or translucent, to light pink, blue and gray. Green shades of the stone can also be found but are not as common as other colors. 

The color of oligoclase ranges from green, gray, yellow, red, and is also found in a colorless state.

General Scientific Information 

The chemical name Na(90-70%) Ca(10-30%) (Al, Si)AlSi2 O8 known as sodium calcium aluminum silicate 

Hardness measures 6.0 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale – the Mohs scale measures the hardness of metals, minerals, gemstones and crystals on a scale of 1 to 10. For example the hardness properties of most quartz crystals fall around 7 on the scale, as does steel and titanium. Diamond is the hardest known substance on the Mohs scale coming in at a hard 10. To most consumers hardness generally reflects the stones able to resist scratches and cracks.

The cleavage of moonstone (oligoclase) is perfect.
The index of refraction ranges from 1.53 to 1.54 and generally indicates the purity of the stone. 
The specific gravity ranges between 2.64 – 2.68.
The crystalline system is triclinic.

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Gems of Sri Lanka

July 27th, 2011

An increasing global awareness of the economic potential of gemstones has created an unprecedented demand for them.  It has led to an accelerated production drive and an intensified search for them in gem producing countries

Sri Lanka ranks with Myanmar, Brazil, South Africa and Thailand as one of the world’s most important gem bearing nations.  The story of Sri Lanka’s gems is as old as civilization itself.  

The gems of Sri Lanka are woven in to his history. The Mahavansa, the ancient chronicle of Sri Lanka too mentioned about gems and jewellery. Indeed, the lord Buddha himself is sad to have had to come to Sri Lanka from India to settle a dispute between two kings, Chulodara and Mahodara, over a throne of gems.

King Solomon is reported to have had gems brought from this island to win the heart of beautiful Queens. The great traveller, Marco Polo, Was said to have been so awe struck by a priceless ruby in the possession of the king of Sri Lanka that he recorded it has been “ span in length, without a flaw, brilliant beyond compare.

Sri Lanka became known as Ratna Deepa (The Island of Gems). Some of the rarest precious stones in the world are found in abundance in the reach earth under our feet and the hills above us. Sri Lanka, geologically speaking is a very old country. Ninety percent of the rocks of the island are of Precambrian age, 560 million to 2,400 million years ago. The gems form in sedimentary residual gem deposits, alluvial deposits, metamorphic deposits, skarn and calcium-rich rocks. Other gems are of magmatic origin. Out of about 200 minerals that are classified as gemstones, around 75 varieties are found in Sri Lanka, making this small island one of the most important geographic locations in the world of gemstones.

 Among the Several world famous gems Sri Lanka’s blue sapphire Weighing 466 carats. The largest known sapphire in the world. Weighing in at 19kg was also discovered here. Other famous gems include the Blue giant of the Orient, Weighing nearly 500 carats and the bluebell of Asia, which weighs in at 400 carats. The renowned Sri Lankan Star sapphire is on permanent display at the Museum of Natural History in New York, but due to an oversight, the stone has been called the star of India.

Throughout history Sri Lanka’s gems and jewellery have adorned the crown jewels of many a royal family. A gem- a 105 carat cat’s eye- discovered in a paddy field in Sri Lanka, gained fame among the royalty of Britain and was Successively Admired by Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII and Queen Elizabeth.

The process of mining for gems is begun at an auspicious time with a short religious ritual. The most common methods of mining are in pits and by tunnelling. Surface gemming and dredging depends on the location and the type of deposits stones are normally found in a layer of coarse pebbly material, which contains traces of clay and fine sand. This gravel containing gems is referred to as “illam” and is found just below the alluvial deposits.
The rarest gem in the world Alexandrite is found in Sri Lanka.

Gem pits are of two kinds. the shallow ones are well shaped and circular, whereas deep pits are rectangular. To prevent the walls of the pits from caving-in scaffoldings are made and the spaces filled with leaves. The water is then pumped out of the pit. If the “illam” vein runs horizontally, tunnelling has to be resorted to.

Another method of collecting illam is to place wooden poles across the river bed and standing on a pole with a long stick, a person drags the gravelly sand towards him. This is then collected in buckets. 

Either way the gravel is then washed in large circular wicker buckets by immersing them in water and rotating them. This enables the light, ordinary pebbles and sediment to escape, leaving the heavier pebbles behind. Then the baskets are held against the sunlight and the sorting is carried out. Each illam brings forth a variety of stones. The principal source of Alexandrite, the rarest gem in the world is Sri Lanka it was first pound in the Urals in 1830 and is named after Czar Alexander II who come of age on the day it was found. This stone shines green in natural light but turns raspberry red in artificial light.

The cat’s eye is another stone which is considered valuable and rare. It derives its name from fact that a silvery line runs across its greenish-gray surface, giving it a remarkable resemblance to the eye of a cat. The rarest type is the black cat’s eye.

Sri Lanka can boast of having 17 varieties of precious and semiprecious stone. The most notable are:-

Blue Sapphire blue stone with a silvery streak, said to protect its Wearer.
Alexandrite: the rarest and possibly the most beautiful of stones.
Star Ruby: its colour ranges from pale pink to red with a sulky streak.
Yellow Sapphire: poetically known as the “pollen of flowers” because of its soft yellow colouring. Star Sapphire: a rich blue star stone with snowy streaks, said to bring good luck.
Amethyst: a rich purple stone.
Garnet: A deep purplish-red stone, unique for its richness of colour.
Moonstone: a pale blue stone with silvery light only found in Sri Lanka and said to possess the power of tranquilizing its wearer.

 

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INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT GEMSTONES

June 28th, 2011

 

A gemstone or gem (also called a precious or semi-precious stone, or jewel) is a piece of mineral, which, in cut and polished form, is used to make jewellery or other adornments. However certain rocks, (such as lapis lazuli) and organic materials (such as amber or jet) are not minerals, but are still used for jewellery, and are therefore often considered to be gemstones as well. Most gemstones are hard, but some soft minerals are used in jewellery because of their lustre or other physical properties that have aesthetic value. Rarity is another characteristic that lends value to a gemstone. Aside from the diamond, the ruby, sapphire, emerald, pearl (strictly speaking not a gemstone) and opal have also been considered to be precious. Up to the discoveries of bulk amethyst in Brazil in the 19th century, amethyst was considered a precious stone as well, going back to ancient Greece. Even in the last century certain stones such as aquamarine, peridot and cat’s eye have been popular and hence been regarded as precious.

Many gemstones are used in even the most expensive jewellery, depending on the brand name of the designer, fashion trends, market supply, treatments, etc. Nevertheless, diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds still have a reputation that exceeds those of other gemstones.

Rare or unusual gemstones, generally meant to include those gemstones which occur so infrequently in gem quality that they are scarcely known except to connoisseurs, include andalusite, axinite,cassiterite, clinohumite and beryl. These pieces of stones also serve as an emblem of the world’s spirit and its inner soul. The heartbeat of the earth can be heard even in the shortest pebble, but all you need is watchful eyes and ears that can really hear in the silence.

 What they have in them, and what they can do for you, you can feel that all just holding them in your hands. We know instinctively that they will not chip and they will not break. Their inner beauty and grace always attract you and ask you to put them in your hands. You can’t resist and want to feel their true feel.

 Hot Massage is a very special kind of massage that uses smooth heated stones by immersing them in hot water.. The heat of the stone penetrates the body and warms and relaxes soar and tight muscles it is a very soothing and comforting experience. Usually Basalt stones are used but lately the people as hot massage stone has become quite popular as the extra ordinary healing power of the stone now know the use of lapis lazuli.. It is ideal for hot massage therapy; it is non-porous due to which it is hygienic and easy to clean during therapy. Being hot stone in itself, it imparts the right amount of heat that is absorbed in the body’s energy flow points thus enhancing the flow of energy also it dissolves the tension and heals the aches. Apart from lapis lazuli luxury tiles some other gemstones like moonstone and Turquoise have also been found quite effective to boost friendship and promote good relations. These days the stones like them are a major hit in the world of fashion and even some celebrities have been seen with these stones to bring harmony and strength in their friendships. Besides friendship, these precious gems also considers quite effective to bring prosperity and good luck in the life of the wearer.

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Uses of Gemstones

October 21st, 2010

Tourmaline

Tourmaline keeps the soul young and enhances spiritual possibilities up to a high age. This stone helps one to transform negative thoughts into loving thoughts and actions, promotes self confidence and concentration, against dizziness, falling and tripping, use when you have equilibrum problems and nervousness, comforts when you are sad. Tourmaline heals all forms of infections and poisonings, is soothing and calms, The stone lessens neuralgia, against shingles and throat problems. Has a positive influence on the thyroid. Because of its variety in colours Tourmaline can be used for many things in magic.

Turquoise

Turquoise is a protective stone, it protects humans and animals against outside negative influences. It is also an excellent protector for travellers and in your car, you can keep a piece of Turquoise in your car as protection stone. Turquoise promotes relationships and gives its wearer wealth. It absorbs damaging vibrations and dispels the evil eye. It protects young children and helps deal with negative experiences. It promotes faithfulness in love and protects the virtues, promotes meditation and fulfils wishes. The stone will change colour when its wearer is sick or in danger, brings its wearer good luck. It is a friendship stone. Enhances good taste, gives happiness, makes content, promotes deeds, against hot flashes, protects against negative influences and attracts good things. Strengthens the immune system during viral contaminations, like flu, mono (kissing disease) and injuries. Against arthritis, inflammation of joints (not connected to arthritis), cramps and muscular tension, promotes the energy flow and gets rid of blockages, strengthens the nervous system, and the kidneys. Brings rest when one is irritable or mentally unstable and against insomnia caused by over exhaustion.

Amethyst

Amethyst calms and gives inner peace, works wonders against insomnia, stress related headaches and migraines. Relaxes the muscles of the neck and shoulder blades, against venereal diseases, hysteria, hallucinations, puerperal fever, rage, hatred and anger, fear, pain and homesickness. Amethyst cures impurities of the skin, against dropsy and colour blindness, strengthens kidneys and eyes. Works against all kinds of addictions, alcoholism, pulls the negativity out of its wearer, gives energy, clears the mind, for flexibility and openness, against concussions and related head aches. Against infections, strengthens stomach, liver and gives love of mankind and friendship, strengthens pancreas, thyroid, thymus and metabolism. Use to regain strength after illness, paleness and painful menstruation. Amethyst is an ideal stone to decrease fear, sorrow and homesickness. Also it’s an ideal stone to use for sprains. Amethyst can be used to sharpen the sixth sense and that’s why a lot of people keep an Amethyst with their Tarot set or Runes. An Amethyst worn by a man will attract a good woman. In magick this stone is used against alcoholism, for courage, as a protection against thieves, for health, peace, love and psychism.

Citrine

Makes one happy, against fatigue, strengthens self-confidence, use in case of fear of exams. Helps one cope with mental exertion. Promotes a positive outlook. For glands, diabetes, appendix, colon, liver, kidneys, immune system, gall bladder, heart and blood circulation, muscles, and mood swings, gives one self-esteem and clarity. Promotes positivity and clear thoughts. Against depression, melancholy and stimulates the mind and soul if you can’t detach from grief and anxiety. Citrine gives one an intellectual control of ones emotional life. Also Citrine enhances spiritual powers.

Moonstone

Moonstone connects us to the Divine energies of the moon and changes along with the phases of the moon. Every moon phase is explained differently for those wearing this stone. An old legend tells that when lovers take a Moonstone in their mouth during the full moon, they will be able to see their joint future. Moonstone is a stone that is suited for lovers because it stimulates a tender passion. Moonstone also protects travellers against accidents, on both the land and the water. Moonstone may also be used in divination, the stone is an excellent guide in dreams and it also teaches us to interpret these dreams and also to interpret the Tarot cards. In the past amulets of Moonstone were placed on the branches of fruit trees to promote a healthy and abundant crop. Moonstone really is a stone for this time of hardness and materialism. This stone teaches us that love is important and softens hardened, bitter people. Even though this stone is seen as a stone of feminine energy it is also suited for men, especially to get them in touch with their softer, feminine side. touch with their softer, feminine side. In gemstone therapy Moonstone is frequently used for its therapeutic properties toward infertility, especially if the infertility is caused by stress and a disturbed hormone cycle. Next to that this stone also positively influences problems that are related to menopause, like hot flashes and it also helps with menstrual complaints in general. Moonstone also positively influences the mucous membranes throughout the body and therefore it may be used in the treatment of the irritable bowel syndrome. Moonstone also positively influences the respiratory tract and may be worn to dispel problems like asthma and respiratory problems. Moonstone stimulates the pancreas and therefore can be a good therapy stone in the treatment of diabetes, next to the regular therapy. Next to that Moonstone is suited for children, it helps against growing disturbances and pains and it is a stone that opens the subconscious to new ideas and helps to take in subject-matter that has to be reproduced in a short time frame. For this you will have to take a piece of Moonstone in your mouth while studying and the stone will hold on to the subject-matter for twenty four hours. You will have to bring the stone to the test or exam with you.

Blue Topaz

Blue Topaz positively influences the throat area and therefore can be used as a therapy stone against sore throats, thyroid problems and goiter. This stone also cures angina, tonsillitis and laryngitis. Blue Topaz can also be used in the treatment of varicose veins and haemorrhoids, because it strengthens the veins. Blue Topaz is a stone that inspires the human psyche, and it gives its wearer a harmonious connection to the environment and nature.
Malachite

Malachite strengthens the eye sight, use in case of sprains, oedema, Malachite gets rid of excessive fluids and use when you have pain in your joints. Menstruation problems, like irregularity and pains, strengthens the heart, in case of asthma, arthritis and rheumatism, cholera, colic, wounds and poisoning. Against glaucoma, for glands, against infections, can cure cancer in the early stages, against mycosis, for the throat, and against radiation. Use in case of sickness of the uterus, prostate, against obesity and cellulite. Malachite stimulates business success, protects its wearer on their travels and protects against negativity and danger.

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Gemstones-The Natural Batteries

October 11th, 2010

It is a belief that builds the world and this holds true for gemstones. People believed in the healing power of gemstone since time’s immemorial. In ancient time’s people like Aristotle surveyed and wrote about healing stones. It was followed in the Middle Ages by churchmen like Hildegard von Bingen and Marbod von Rennes. And this tradition continues till date. Gemstones acts like natural batteries and helps to replenish energy. They act as the armor against the onslaught of bad luck, disease, accidents, phobia, evil spirits, mental aberrations, and karma. These stones help in determining one’s fate and destiny. They not only protect one from ill effects but also help in bringing good luck and positive results. Gems like sapphire, emerald, ruby, symbolizes love, beauty, wisdom, and many self-enhancing attributes. Gemstones are commonly associated with zodiac signs. Each zodiac sign can be assigned to gemstones according to their requirements. Each has its own unique function to perform. Some help in concentration, some prevents fatal diseases, and some act as excellent healing stones while there are others which helps to relieve anxiety and stress. Astrology and esotericism portal determines the healing quality of each gemstone. Throughout history gemstones have been associated with certain characteristics. They are not only used to enhance one’s beauty but especially used for their healing and magical powers.

Gemstones that are used for their magical power:

• Aquamarine: it helps to calm down one’s nerves and also acts as an aid against forgetfulness.

 • Blue Sapphire: This stone helps to improve memory, and also nourishes and heals the mind.

• Amethyst: It is used for spiritual healing; relieve anxiety, stress, grief and depression.

 • Emerald: Encourages inspiration, faith, harmony, love, friendship and unity.

 • Pearl: Helps to promote peacefulness. It helps in digestion, lessens stress and exhaustion.

• Red Coral: It helps to cure anemia, weakness and dental problems and also prevent accidents.

• Garnet: This healing crystal helps prevent accidents, anxiety, fever, sorrow and infidelity.

• Gomed: A gemstone that cures fatal diseases like cancer, skin diseases and leprosy. The list does not end here.

The category also includes:

• Diamond: The healing crystal is regarded as a master healer. It helps to remove blockages and all kinds of emotional negativity.

 • Jade: Helps in relieving eye problems and kidney complaints. It is also widely used as a talisman for friendship and loyalty.

• Moonstone: It helps to promote happiness and long life. It gives inspiration and helps to obtain love and sensitivity.

 • Peridot: Cures insomnia, helps in digestion, and helps to soothe the nervous system.

 • Rock crystal: It relieves vertigo, kidney troubles, dizziness and hemorrhage,

• Zircon: This gemstone is regarded as a general healer. It helps to prevent insomnia and liver complaints.

 • Turquoise: An excellent healing stone. It helps to calm the body and mind, and prevents depression.

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Moonstone-The Mysterious Gem

October 8th, 2010

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Moonstone is a type of feldspar, the most abundant mineral group in the crust of the earth. Feldspars comprise up to 60% of the earth’s crust. Moonstone is composed of potassium aluminium silicate and it is regarded as the most expensive stone of thatt sort of the mineral family. Moonstones are either of the plagioclase feldspar (peristerite) subgroup or the orthoclase feldspar (adularia) subgroup. Moonstones are found in areas of volcanic and hydrothermic activity, it is these conditions that is needed to allow the chemical and physical processes to form the stone.

This mysterious gem, captivating as a full moon gleaming in the night sky, is considered sacred in India, where it has appeared in jewelry for centuries. The gem is also the traditional gift for the 13th wedding anniversary. Moonstones are named because their sheen is similar to moonlight. Moonstone has another synonym, which is Selenite, according to the Greek godess of the moon, Selene.
Moonstone gets is significance from visual effect of light being captured between the feldspar layers. This light gives the impression of a soft glow that moves as you change angles.

In fact, so strongly is the comparison between the Moon and Moonstone, the ancient Romans believed the Moonstone was created by moonbeams concentrated in one point until they formed the gem.

Chemical Composition: Aluminum silicate of potassium, sodium and calcium. KAlSi3O8. Isomorphous series made up of Albite (Na), Oligoclase, Andesine, Labradorite, Bytownite and Anorthite (Ca) where the two end member are NaAlSi3O8 and CaAl2Si2O8.
Colors / Varieties: Orthoclase: Moonstone (all colors); Transparent: yellow, pink and white; Phenomena: sheen, chatoyancy, asterism, adularescence (blue sheen)

In Astrology, Moonstone is the mystical birth stone for those who were born under the sun sign Cancer. Moonstone is reminiscent of the Moon. No matter where we are on this Earth, the Moon is always the same.

For the Cancer this sense of hominess is soothing and restoring. It’s emotional balancing properties are vital to vitalizing the unemotional state and tempering the overemotional state.

 Moonstone Adularescence
A mesmerizing interplay of light known as schiller or adularescence, causes a silvery-white sheen to glide like veils of mist across the milky surface of the moonstone. Some believe that this moving light is evidence of a living spirit that dwells within the gem. Gemologists, however, attribute the shimmering phenomenon to the presence of albite crystals embedded in feldspar. Moonstone is composed of two feldspar species; orthoclase and albite. Those two are intermingled, then as the newly formed mineral cools, the intergrowth of albite and orthoclase separate into stacked, alternating layers. When light falls between this thin, flat layers, it scatters in many directions producing the phenomenon called adularescense. The word adularescence is derived from the word ‘adularia’, the name used before it came to be known as moonstone.

Colors of Moonstone
Moonstones come in a variety of colors, ranging from colorless to white, yellow, gray, brown, pink, orange and green. Clarity ranges from transparent to translucent. The most sought-after moonstones have a haunting blue sheen, an effect produced by orthoclase feldspar, which is found almost exclusively in stones from SriLanka. Blue-sheen moonstones are increasingly scarce and expensive, especially since the main Sri Lankan deposit of the gems dried up in 1988.

Top quality blue Moonstone displays an incredible “three-dimensional” depth of color, it will be seen clearly only when playfully tilting the stone and moving it. They are very rare and thus highly valuable and coveted. Moonstones’ three-dimensional depth of color is called either peristerescence (if the moonstone is from the plagioclase feldspar group)or adularescence (if the moonstone is from the orthoclase feldspar group).

The most well known inclusions found in this stone are known as the centipede-like inclusions, it is the tiny tension cracks which resemble the many-legged creature. Of all the gemstones, only the moonstone is known to have centipede-like inclusions and with the presence of this beautiful inclusions, the price of the stone will go up.

Mined from the earth where plagioclase and orthoclase layers are most abundant, the stones can be found in irregular shapes among other gems, clay debris and gravel. When found in the rough, moonstone is not an impressive sight. Typically, moonstones are cut in the form of cabochon and if cut properly the stone will shimmer and flow. The cutter should bear in mind to locate the axis of the crystal exactly in the zenith of the stone, so that the desired effect of light play will be achieved. Moonstone’s delicate beauty and its long heritage make it perhaps the most familiar gem quality member of the feldspar group.

Rainbow Moonstone
One of the most beautiful and adorable kind of moonstone is the one known as rainbow moonstone. Its color is usually gray or white. Light passing over the surface of the stone creates a characteristic bluish iridescent flash. Feldspars are like other igneous stones, they formed when magma, the molten core under the solid crust of the earth, cools and solidifies. The special sheen of rainbow moonstone results from combination of two similar types of feldspar that seperate slightly while the magma is cooling and reflect light differently.

Other gemstones that are closest in appearance to the moonstone are fibrolite, chalcedony and heat-treated synthetic white spinel.

Special Properties:

•To arouse the passion of lovers.
•If placed beneath the tongue when the moon is full, a moonstone is said to reveal what is in store, good or bad, for a romance.
•Used to protect women and babies.
•Used by females to attract men.
Astrologically, moonstone is associated with the zodiac sign of Gemini.

 Spiritual and Healing Properties of Moonstone:
Moonstone carries lunar energy and helps to balance emotional upsets. Moonstone has a gentle energy that helps to ease stresses and feelings of anxiousness. It can be used to enhance intuition. Moonstone is a good crystal tool for anyone who wishes to reflect on past circumstances to learn life lessons from. It is also useful as a manifesting tool, drawing in your desires.

Remedy Benefits of Moonstone:
•Blue moonstone helps facilitate telepathic communicates
•Grey moonstone assists clairvoyance
•Peach moonstone is an emotional healer
•Rainbow moonstone (white labradorite) protects against psychic attack
•White moonstone facilitates spiritual growth
•Yin yang balancer

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Healing & Magical Properties of Gemstones K-M

September 25th, 2010

kunzite

Kunzite
Chemical Composition: LiAlSi2O6
Kunzite frees its wearer from fears, worries and depressions. This stone also helps diminish the sense of inferiority and is also an excellent help when you are stressed. It also dissolves negativity.
The lilac variety of Kunzite harmonises the function of the thyroid and has an excellent effect on the hormones in the human body. Next to that lilac Kunzite influences the health of the blood and can cure blood poisoning.
The pink variety of Kunzite mainly works on the brain and protects against heart attacks. This variety also provides excellent results for those that suffer from arthritis and gout.
Also see: Hiddenite.

kyanite

Kyanite
Chemical Composition: Al2SiO6
Kyanite stimulates speech and heals all problems of the voice box and the throat in general. Also use against stuttering, aphasia, throat aches, angina and goitre. Clears its wearers pronunciation and concentration. Kyanite opens the chakras and stimulates their co-operation. An excellent meditation stone. » Read more: Healing & Magical Properties of Gemstones K-M

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Moonstone Gem Facts

March 29th, 2010

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.

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Moonstone

March 29th, 2010

Moonstones are a form of silicate from the feldspar group. They are examples of the commonest mineral in the earth’s crust and are found in a wide variety of rocks. Their chemical composition can be written as the general formula X(Al,Si) 4O8 in which the X may be either Calcium, Sodium, Potassium or Barium. Moonstones in particular belong to the orthoclase feldspar group, found in igneous rocks such as pegmatites and granites or in crystalline schists and veins and in particular sedimentary ore deposits. The best known moonstones are found in Switzerland, Piedmont Italy. Moonstones have a translucency and a greyish white color that looks as if you are actually viewing the Moon on a cloudy night.

According to Indian astrology, moonstones are also known as chandramanis or the semi-precious stone for Moon. People wear a moonstone to propitiate a negative Moon in the birthchart, or at times even if the Sun is found in a powerful but negative position, as it then provides a cooling effect.

Wearing a moonstone brings about peace of mind , the ability to concentrate, the fruition of love and prevention from betrayals in love and marriage The waxing and waning of the Moon, a fundamental part of the astrological system, plays an important role in the determination of our destinies. Contrary to popular belief, the lunar phases of darkness that can creep into one’s stellar chart in the form of the umbras and penumbras of rahu and ketu (Moon’s nodes) merit close attention and treatment. More on the Moon’s nodes.

The moonstone plays the same role as the pearl in gem therapy, with one major difference: it is capable of causing a great deal of cooling that may result in the wearer being exposed to health ailments associated with colds and chills. Therefore it is better to wear the moonstone only in conjunction with another stone that is capable of producing heat, or associated with stellar bodies that are heat-generating, like the planet Mars (coral) or Sun (ruby). Ideally moonstones should be worn set in silver, with a stone of minimum weight of 5 and a quarter rattis on the little finger of the left hand. [One rattika = 0.59 metric carats. – ed.]

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