Introduction Physical Attributes Mystical Properties Healing Properties References

Image taken from http://www.rainbowcrystal.com/ crystal/gems/moonstone.html Moonstone the Crystal for Emotional Balance

Image taken from www.gemhut.com/pmoon.htm/ Peach Moonstone

Introduction Moonstone is comprised of orthoclase feldspar and albite and has a hardness of 6. Its refractive index is 1.52-1.53. Moonstone has an iridescent blue sheen, known also as adularescence, and its name is derived from it's similarity to the full moon. The ancient Romans believed that the Moonstone was formed from moonlight and was highly prized and respected. The Romans have used this stone since 100 AD. Deposits of Moonstones are found in the United States, India, where to this day it is still considered a sacred stone, Mexico, Madagascar, Brazil, the European Alps, Tanzania, and also the area of Sri Lanka, which produces the highest quality of stones. Moonstones are commonly used for jewelry, cabochon style, but are also kept by some as loose stones, at times with a moon face carved into them, or cut into spheres and either carried or kept for their mystical and healing properties.

Physical Attributes Moonstones come in a variety of colors. They range from nearly colorless, white, green, pink, peach, brown, gray, and blue. The two most desirable colors are blue and Rainbow Moonstones. The rainbow moonstones have a multi-colored sheen across the face of the stone, which is known as adularescence. This attribute makes the moonstone highly desirable. There are occurrences of chatoyancy or "Cat's Eye" Moonstones, caused by large numbers of stress cracks within the stone.

Image taken from www.mysticmerchant.com/ moonstone/, The Mystic Merchant.

Mystical Properties Moonstone is believed to have mystical properties. Some of these beliefs are that the moonstone is believed to bring good fortune, create emotional balance and harmonious feelings. The Moonstone is also believed to have the power to bring new love into one's life, as well as create the personal qualities of sensitivity, clairvoyance and intuition. It is also believed that the moonstone is a protective power for women and children, and is also associated with the cycles of fertility, the sea, and the planting of crops, all of which can also be associated with the cycles of the moon.

Healing Properties Moonstones are believed to have healing properties. Some of these beliefs include the power to balance a woman's menstrual and hormone cycle, the power to regenerate tissue and organs, specifically the reproductive system. It is also believed to absorb illness and pain, as well as align the vertebrae, promote proper digestion, and balance emotions by lifting ones spirit.

Image taken from http://www.rainbowcrystal.com/ crystal/gems/moonstone.html Moonstone the Crystal for Emotional Balance

References

http://www.all-that-gifts.com/se/moonstone.html

http://www.rainbowcrystal.com/jtext/pentacle.html

http://www.rainbowcrystal.com/crystal/gems/moonstone.html

http://www.sobrietystones.com/resources/GemBook/Stones/meanings_gemstones_moonstone.htm

http://www.gemhut.com/moon.htm

http://www.24carat.co.uk/moonstone.html

http://gemsnirmal.com/gemsnirmal/moonstone_carved_faces.htm

http://www.mysticmerchant.com/moonstone

http://thegarden.neonexus.com/Omega/Misc/gemstones.htm

Please send questions or comments to Shelley Mounkes.

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This page was created on April 10, 2005; last update July 15, 2005.