| Moonstone is a semi-precious gemstone | | | | Moonstone was also once a very popular gem to |
| frequently incorporated into some of the most | | | | set into jewelry, in the times of Art Nouveau. |
| modern, beautiful handmade jewelry in the world. | | | | Moonstone populated many jewelry designs |
| It is most often found in shades of shimmering | | | | created by the famous French Master Goldsmith, |
| white, and is widely recognized as the June | | | | René Lalique, and by his contemporaries. |
| Birthstone. But beyond its modern-day uses and | | | | Nowadays, these creations can only be seen in |
| associations, moonstone holds a decadent | | | | museums or in collections. |
| mythological, spiritual and etymological history that | | | | Moonstone has long been considered a sacred and |
| adds nostalgic value to its already strong aesthetic | | | | magical gemstone. Centuries ago, the shimmering |
| worth. Read on for more information that will help | | | | adularescent property was thought to resemble |
| you fall in love with your moonstone jewelry – | | | | the phases of waxing and waning of the moon. In |
| or inspire you to buy some today! | | | | Arab countries, this stone was sewn into |
| The name moonstone comes from the | | | | woman’s garments, because it was was |
| shimmering appearance this stone displays, which | | | | believed to be the symbol of fertility. In India, |
| appears different whenever the stone moves. | | | | Moonstone was called the "dream stone," as it |
| This phenomena is called adularescence. | | | | was believed to bring beautiful, sweet dreams. It |
| Adulerescence is due to the interior makeup of | | | | is also thought to symbolize the holistic view of |
| scales or lamellas structure of the Moonstone. | | | | the wearer--its soft shine will support the dreamy, |
| When incoming rays of light hit these scales, it is | | | | emotional tendencies of the person. These |
| refracted and scattered into a unique play of light. | | | | associations are what make Moonstone an ideal |
| Moonstone is a variety of the species feldspar. On | | | | choice for lovers, bringing forth feelings of |
| earth, two thirds of the stones are varieties of | | | | tenderness and true love. Moonstone is also |
| Feldspars! Moonstone’s particular orthoclase | | | | thought to bring about mental clarity, balancing the |
| feldspar variety is called "adularia," because it was | | | | ying/yang of the wearer, and an overall sense of |
| found in the European Alps near the Adula-group, | | | | comfort. It is mined in Sri Lanka, and India, as well |
| and also contains the silicate of potassium | | | | as Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, the United States |
| aluminum in gemstone quality. Another synonym | | | | and Tanzania. |
| for Moonstone is "Selenite," after Selene, Greek | | | | Mohs' Hardness score is based on a 10 point scale |
| goddess of the moon. | | | | where 10 is the most resistant, like a diamond, |
| Moonstone gemstones look best as parts of | | | | and 1 is easily scratched, such as Talc. Moonstone |
| formal evening jewelry when paired with Black | | | | gets a score of 6.-6.5, meaning that it is |
| Onyx, dark amethyst or black diamonds. More | | | | somewhat scratch resistant and therefore suitable |
| casual combinations include softer contrasts of | | | | as a component of jewelry. Moonstone |
| brilliant moonstone with rose quartz, peridot or | | | | gemstones should be regularly cleaned by a |
| topaz. To see a selection of handmade artisan | | | | professional or with a soft rag and mild soap and |
| jewelry featuring moonstone, click here. | | | | water. Avoid ultra-sonic cleaners, solvents and |
| Moonstone is typically considered a sophisticated | | | | harsh chemicals when cleaning your handcrafted |
| gemstone that works well with any outfit. In | | | | jewelry as exposure to these elements can |
| earrings, it works especially well to enhance the | | | | damage semi-precious and precious gemstones |
| luster of dark or light blue eyes. | | | | and pearls. |
| Moonstone’s body color comes in a large | | | | Learn more about all semi-precious gemstones, |
| array of hues: blues, green, orange and peaches, | | | | including amethyst, apatite, black onyx, blue topaz, |
| smoky beiges, and brown, dependent on the | | | | carnelian, chalcedony, citrine, coral, garnet, white |
| origin of the stone. Sri Lanka was the first origin | | | | topaz, crystal, diamond, emerald, iolite, jade, |
| for Moonstone, which are a shimmering pale blue | | | | Labradorite, moonstone, pearl, peridot, prehnite, |
| against an almost transparent background. | | | | rose quarz, ruby, sapphire, smokey topaz, |
| Moonstone is often considered the perfect choice | | | | tanzanite, tourmaline and tourquoise when you |
| for jewelry designs that display sensuous and | | | | check out this gemstone chart. |
| feminine character. About a hundred years ago, | | | | |