Moonstone

Gemstone : Moonstone Birthstone Month : Moonstone is the birthstone for the month of June. Zodiac : Moonstone is not associated with any particular Zodiac sign. Chemical Symbol : KAlSi3O8 Chemical Make-up : Moonstone is a gem variety of orthoclase feldspar, known as potassium Aluminum silicate. History & Lore : A symbolic substitute for the name Moonstone is “Selenite”, relating to the Greek goddess of the moon, Selene. Moonstone was popular with the Romans, who believed it was formed out of rays of Moonlight. In India Moonstone is considered to be a sacred and magical stone, with the power to bring about pleasant and beautiful dreams. Moonstone was incorporated in the well-known classic Wilkie Collins novel “The Moonstone.” Collins was a friend and colleague of Charles Dickens and his 1868 novel, “The Moonstone” remains to this day a masterpiece of English literature. Moonstone was a favorite a hundred years ago during the Art Nouveau era. It had been used by the famous French Master Goldsmith Rene Lalique in his numerous jewelry creations. These special creations can now only be found in museums or in collections

Moonstone is associated with the heart chakra. It is said to enhance passion, sensitivity, intuition, physical abilities, and to bring good fortune. Moonstone is a stone of protection, protecting women and children, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth. Physically it is said to aid the wearer's pituitary gland and digestive system and also to fight against obesity. The moonstone is also said to calm emotions and ease hormonal and menstrual problems. Availability : Moonstone was once extremely popular, particularly during the Art Nouveau period around one hundred years ago. Recent years have seen an increase in demand for Moonstone, particularly fine Moonstone, and top quality specimens are now becoming increasingly rare. Sources : The valued bluish and nearly transparent Moonstones are most often found in Sri Lanka (Ceylon). There are also known deposits of Moonstones in Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Myanmar (Burma), Norway, Switzerland, Tanzania, and the United States. Evaluation : Being that Moonstones are rated at a 6 on Moh's Scale of Hardness, special care should be taken while wearing and whilst cleaning the stone because of its fragility. That being said, small damages that may occur after prolonged usage can be corrected reasonably easily. This can be accomplished by having a jeweler polish the stone in such a way that it will regain its adularescence. Though the most valued Moonstones have a slight blue hue, they an also be found in various colors ranging from colorless to yellow, green, pink, peach, brown or grey with a silvery sheen. The most valuable Moonstone gemstones are larger specimens with fine transparency and an intense blue sheen. Moonstones are becoming increasingly rare and because of this increasingly valuable. Moonstone has the potential to be a great gemstone investment. Common Cuts : The phenomenon that gives this gemstone its importance is its schiller, which in relation with Moonstone has been given the name adularescence. The origin of this phenomenal feature is its interior crystal structure. Orthoclase Feldspar and Albite are found in close association, arranged in layers. The incoming rays of light are reflected inside the stone and scattered. Classical Moonstones are always cut in a smooth-domed oval cabochon shape so as to maximize the adularescence. Sometimes Moonstones can also be found carved with a moon face. Routine Enhancements : There are no know enhancements for Moonstone. Care & Cleaning : Moonstone jewelry is best cleaned in warm water with a mild detergent and a soft brush. As with most gemstones, Moonstone should be kept away from prolonged exposure to extremes of heat and household chemicals, which can cause the stone to erode or cause permanent color change. Because Moonstones are a relatively soft gemstone, they should be stored separately or alone in a fabric lined box so as to avoid chipping, cracking, and scratching.