Moonstone is a colorless gem that belongs to the Feldspar family. It is made up of two minerals, orthoclase, and albite, which are mixed throughout the creation process. And when they cool, they split and get set in alternate layers. As the light falls on these thin layers, it scatters in many directions, resulting in the glow known as the adularescence effect. The light is mobile as it moves across the surface at every changing angle. And this is the aspect that makes the stone very alluring and enchanting. The moonstone has a pearly and opalescent appearance, and “hecatolite” is another name given to it.
Other feldspar minerals show adularescence in multicolor. They are popularly known as rainbow moonstones and are a variety of labradorite feldspar.
History and Significance of Moonstone
For our ancestors, owning a moonstone was like touching the moon itself. Our ancients believed moonstone was the result of solidified moonlight rays. For them, it carried the mystical powers within. The stone and its shimmer have been symbols of compassion, love, newness, and protection for them.
The Mariners wore it as an amulet to be protected from any attacks, especially at night. For this reason, it has been called ‘traveler's stone’. Also, moonstone in amulet form was used for the growth of healthy crops by hanging it on a tree. Lovers wore this gem to get reunited or reignite the spark of love in their relationship. And physicians used moonstone for curing insomnia.
In addition to that, the ancients believed the stone to be a fortune teller, as on the full moon, one can see a glimpse of their future in the stone.
The ancient Greeks and Romans saw their goddesses of love inside the gem. In India, it was customary to give moonstone to keep the love alive in the marital bond. This shimmering gemstone has always been connected with love, fortune, and positive energy. That is what makes this moonstone magical.
It is associated with lunar energy until today. Mystic healers suggest the use of moonstone jewelry to heal, stabilize emotions, unblock feelings, or arouse more compassion and tenderness.
Variety and Origin of Moonstone
Moonstone is not found in one region but all over the world. It is mined in the USA, Australia, Tanzania, Switzerland, Tanzania, Myanmar, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Sri Lanka, and India. Sri Lanka produces the finest variety of moonstones, and India is known for its exclusive colored moonstone mining.
Its primary color is white, with an electric blue shimmer. But one can find a variety of colors from yellow to brown, from green to blue, and peach to pink. Colorless and white moonstones are composed of albite. Other colors that occur are mostly composed of orthoclase.
Moonstone Jewelry: How to Wear and Buy it?
Moonstone is a June birthstone, so people born in this month are recommended to wear it in the form of jewelry. Moonstone generally suits a variety of designs and settings, from boho to classic-style jewelry. Wearing moonstone jewelry offers you a unique sheen, versatility, and healing powers. Moonstone scores only 6 - 6.5 on mohs scale and is a very soft stone, but now, with everyday evolving trends, people are choosing stones other than diamonds for engagement rings. And moonstone is one of the popular choices.
It is used for both men's and women's jewelry. Sterling silver, titanium, and mixed metals are commonly used with the stone. You can find moonstone as a solitaire or in combination with other colored stones.
One thing that should keep in mind while getting a moonstone ring or a pendant, is to have them in a bezel setting, as it is the most secure setting and will help in protecting the stone.
Moonstone pendants in blue shimmer are very much preferred and mostly worn with moonstone earrings. And needless to say, moonstone earrings, like pearls, are quite classy and can be worn to suit various kinds of outfits and occasions. Moonstone bracelets are also available with small moonstone beads that look good with every type of metal. But before buying moonstone jewelry, here are the things you should carefully examine.
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Color
Colorless and white moonstones with a vivid blue sheen are the most valuable, but those who prefer some pop of color can go for moonstones that are available in yellow, green, peach, blue, brown, and gray with rainbow, blue, and white adularescence.
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Clarity
As the rule is the same for every stone, the clearer it is, the more valuable it is. It has a few inclusions like tiny tension cracks; they are known by the name "centipides”. They add to the unpleasantness of the stone and affect its adularescence. The finest one is mostly transparent and free of inclusions. Moonstones free of centipides demand the highest price.
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Cut
Moonstone jewelry encompasses the stone in faceted, beaded, or cobochon form. It’s a soft stone and thus easy to cut and carve in comparison to other gems. Cabochon is undoubtedly the best cut as it leads to its enhanced adularescence. And faceting is preferred in jewelry because it can hide inclusions. Rose cut is very popular as it adds depth and angle and can hide color and texture.
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Carat
Moonstone can be seen in a wide range of sizes, from small to large, but jewelers prefer 1 to 5 carats as it is easy to design jewelry with them. The stones that have a high carat value, 15 carats or more, are rare and priced very high.
Moonstone and the Chakras
Moonstone is a fascinating gemstone that has been associated with various spiritual and metaphysical properties. In the context of chakras, which are energy centers in the body, moonstone is believed to have an impact on specific chakras.
Chakras are thought to be spinning wheels or vortexes of energy that correspond to different aspects of our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves.
Moonstone is most commonly associated with the Crown Chakra and the Third Eye Chakra:
Crown Chakra: The Crown Chakra is located at the top of the head and is associated with spiritual connection, higher consciousness, and enlightenment. Moonstone is said to stimulate and align this chakra, helping to open the mind to higher dimensions and spiritual insights.
Third Eye Chakra: The Third Eye Chakra is situated in the center of the forehead, just above the eyebrows. It is linked to intuition, psychic abilities, and inner wisdom. Moonstone is believed to activate this chakra, enhancing one's intuition and inner vision.
By working with moonstone, practitioners, and believers aim to balance and harmonize the energy flow within these chakras, promoting a sense of overall well-being, spiritual growth, and intuitive clarity. It is important to note that while many people find these connections meaningful and valuable, they are based on esoteric and spiritual beliefs rather than scientific evidence.
How to Clean and Care for your Moonstone Jewelry?
Here are some tips to care for your moonstone jewelry-
Cleaning: Use mild soap and warm water to clean the jewelry. Put the jewelry in water for a few minutes and gently wipe it with a soft cloth and brush. For grit and smudges, clean water is enough, but for stubborn marks, you can go for soapy water.
Storage: Keep it away from the harder gems like diamonds or ruby, as due to its softness, it is prone to chipping and scratches. Use a separate box that is coated with soft and padded cloth or velvet fabric.
Avoid heart chemicals: Avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaners. Refrain from using cleaners filled with harsh chemicals like detergents or coming in contact with cosmetics that might contain chemicals harmful to the stone.
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It is quite sensitive to temperature changes. So, save it from extreme heat and cold.
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It is not recommended to wear moonstone rings while practicing sports or working out in the gym.
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You can wear a moonstone on an everyday basis, especially if you’re spiritually inclined to it, attached to it or you have been told to wear it for astrological benefits. People can wear moonstone rings and other jewelry for many years with proper care and attention. Also, mystics and our ancients said, moonstone should be charged by the moonlight at regular intervals. Direct rays fill your stone with divine energy.
NOTE: Washing it in a river or waterfall is considered the best remedy to wipe out negative energy from your stone. This cleanses any negative energy and its residues inside and replenishes its healing properties.
Final Thoughts:
With every glance you will feel more attracted to this magical stone. Such shimmers in a white stone is rare phenomena and the gem that calms and settles your energy is even more rare to find. Get the most attractive and finest pieces of moonstone jewelry at Rosec Jewels. Not only we assure the best quality stone but also something that you will cherish for years to come.
FAQs:
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What is Moonstone good for?
Moonstone is a good gemstone for emotional stability and stress, helps in stabilizing your emotions and evoke self acceptance. Moonstone promotes success and good fortune in love and business matters.
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Where is Moonstone found?
A moonstone is found mainly in Armenia, Australia, Mexico, Madagascar, Myanmar, India, Norway, Poland, Sri Lanka and United States. The most commercial moonstone come from Dumbara District, Sri Lanka.
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Can Moonstone go in water?
Yes it can! Moonstone is both porous and delicate gemstone, a moonstone can survive well in the water (for a short period of time).
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How to charge Moonstone?
The best way to charge your Moonstone is to keep your stone under the light of moon. Let it empower the stone with all the new and fresh energy (a full moon night would be great).
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Are there any Negative Effects of wearing Moonstones?
No, till now there are no negative side effects of wearing moonstones. Still, we advice you to seek for a advice of an expert, by thoroughly understanding it’s properties before wearing a moonstone.
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Can Moonstone be used in Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands?
Moonstone are perfect and distinctive choice for an engagement ring or wedding band, due to it’s ethereal glow and radiance. Moonstone’s captivating play of color make it an ideal choice for special occasions.
