Along with pearl, moonstone is the birthstone for June. Typically colorless, white, or pale in hue, moonstone can also be found in shades of peach, gray, green, and blue. Some people feel the prized variety is the blue, which displays a vivid, almost three-dimensional inner light. Fun fact: moonstone is the state stone of Florida.
What is Moonstone?
Moonstone is a variety of the feldspar mineral group and is known for its unique shimmering effect. This soft, ethereal glow is an optical phenomenon known as adularescence that gives the stone a light that seems to come from within but is actually caused by the way light scatters between microscopic layers of feldspar. Polished moonstones often display chatoyancy (a "cat's eye" effect), where a luminous streak appears through the stone.
Where is Moonstone Found?
Moonstone deposits are found in several parts of the world, but the most notable sources include:
- Sri Lanka: Home to the finest quality blue moonstone.
- India: Known for producing rainbow moonstone which exhibits a multi-colored sheen.
- Myanmar (formerly Burma): Another major source, particularly for high-grade blue stones.
- Madagascar, Brazil, and the United States: Other sources contributing to the global supply.
Most commercial moonstone is currently sourced from Sri Lankan and India.
Spiritual Meanings and Properties of Moonstone
Moonstone is not only prized for its beauty, but also for its spiritual significance to practitioners who believe moonstone has powerful metaphysical properties. Sometimes referred to as the “stone of new beginnings”, moonstone is associated with:
- Feminine energy making it a popular stone in goddess and fertility rituals.
- Emotional balance and intuition, believed to help calm emotions and enhance empathy.
- Protection for travelers, especially at night or on water. Some people wear moonstone for safe travels.
Mineral Information and Durability
Moonstone is a fairly durable gemstone, ranking between 6 to 6.5 (out of 10) on the Mohs scale of hardness. While it is not as hard as diamonds or sapphires, moonstone is still suitable for everyday wear and fairly scratch resistant. It is susceptible to damage from impact because of the cleavage planes of the stone. Warm soapy water is the only recommended cleaning agent for moonstone
Moonstone’s Use in Jewelry
Moonstone's use in jewelry dates back thousands of years. Ancient Romans associated it with lunar deities. During the Art Nouveau period in the early 1900s, moonstone enjoyed a resurgence in popularity. Renowned French jeweler Rene Lalique and his contemporaries used it extensively in their nature-inspired designs. Later, in the 1960s and 70s, moonstone reemerged in bohemian and hippie fashion as a symbol of peace, love, and cosmic harmony.
Today, moonstone remains a staple in both fine and artisan jewelry collections.
