Moonstone
Stone of spirituality par excellence, moonstone is an essential gem in jewelry. This precious stone goes perfectly with silver and allows you to create refined and aesthetic jewelry. What do you need to know about this exceptional gem to wear as a ring, necklace, pendant or bracelet?
Thanks to its delicate-colored reflections, moonstone often seduces when it comes to imagining the jewel of your dreams. The many virtues attributed to it in lithotherapy make it all the more interesting.
Moonstone: characteristics
Moonstone is named after its obvious resemblance to Earth’s satellite. Throughout history, its pearly luster earned it the name of fish eye for a long time.
The etymology of its name comes from the Sanskrit kanta (beloved) and chandra (moon). Its reflections can be pearly, pink, transparent, bluish or even sometimes yellow. There is also a rainbow moonstone which is actually a white labradorite close to quartz from Madagascar.
Moonstone color
Moonstone is famous because of its very particular hue: light reflects between the layers that the stone has developed during its crystallization, which gives it silvery and luminous reflections. It is for this reason that certain cultures associate from the beginning the moonstone with the deities of the rainbow: the gem can take on an infinity of variations of hues and light.
The natural shape of these minerals also brings it closer to the moon: naturally rounded, natural stone can be cut very easily and with great refinement into an oval cabochon. Sometimes, some jewelers cut it into a pendant in the shape of a crescent, to recall the arc of the moon.
Moonstone history
In history, the Romans already associated moonstone with positive energy, femininity and intuition. It represented the goddess Diana, protector of animals and because of its often-pink color, it quickly symbolizes fertility. It is often used to form earrings, cabochons in pendants or silver rings. The Greeks also made it the symbol of fertility and passion. It is then worn in necklaces or pendants with a natural stone and it is regularly cut in an oval cabochon.
In the Middle East, wearing a moonstone increased the chances of being pregnant, it was often seen on the wrist of women, in the form of a bracelet of tumbled stones. As for the Egyptians, they associated the moonstone with the protection of night travelers. It is often associated with the moon and silver because of its colors and natural iridescence. It was Jean-Claude Delametherie who officially discovered it in 1801. Later, in 1970, it became the emblem of the State of Florida, the starting point for the Apollo 11 rocket, which left for the Moon in 1969.
Moonstone hardness
Scientifically, moonstone is called hecatolite or adularia. Adularia is a mineral from the feldspar family, which belongs to the silicate group and is close to quartz, also characterized by its pearly reflections).
Its hardness is medium, even low, since it is classified at 6 or 6.5 on the Mohns scale which goes up to 10. These properties make it a perfect crystal for bracelets, cabochons or silver jewelry. even if it is also sublimated by other metals and alloys.
What is the value of moonstone?
The main deposit of moonstone minerals is in Sri Lanka. Other mines, from which very beautiful stones are extracted, exist in Brazil, Madagascar, Myanmar, and even in Europe, notably in Germany and Norway.
Moonstone minerals find their origin in the plutonic and metamorphic rocks which are rich in the soils of India, in particular. However, the most popular deposits are found in Armenia, mainly in Lake Sevan.
Generally, 100 g of moonstone gemstones are worth 10 euros. However, once worked, cut and mounted in jewelry, the price of an AAA quality moonstone can increase considerably. The value of a prime natural stone varies according to its quality and size.
Moonstone: its virtues
The moon stone, like the star to which it refers, has influences on the human body. In history, the moonstone has been closely linked to the woman, although it is carried by all individuals because of her many positive energies. In lithotherapy, it is recommended to wear it daily in order to release all its virtues, in the form of a bracelet, a ring, a necklace or even earrings. But it is especially in its oval cabochon form that the moonstone is most appreciated.
Moonstone has properties that act gently and deeply, for long-term changes for the wearer. In women, to whom it is particularly linked, pink moonstone relieves menstrual disorders and pains. Natural moonstone stones also strengthen fertility and protect pregnancies. It can then be worn in various forms: all moonstone jewelry allows you to benefit from its benefits. For children, it is very popular because of its calming ability, which promotes better sleep and calms hyperactivity. Often, they are offered to wear it in moonstone cabochons, in tumbled stone necklaces or in pearl bracelets.
Moonstone influences the hormones of the human body. Indeed, this gem therefore helps to reduce skin problems such as acne and to regulate the thyroid. The relaxation brought to the wearers of a moonstone promotes good digestion and activates the drainage of the body, which has the effect of energizing the kidneys, the bladder and fighting against water retention.
Moonstone has a specific energy and is said to contribute to open-mindedness and tolerance. It helps with good understanding and communication and promotes new positive encounters. In love, it consolidates the couple and reinforces mutual respect, which explains why it is often present on a wedding list.
Generally considered a stone of intuition, moonstone influences the second chakra, also called the sacral chakra. It is the center of fertility and relations with the outside world, which is rebalanced near a moonstone, worn in earrings for example. Natural moonstones are associated with the 3rd eye chakra, whose planet of reference is the Moon, and they link to it when worn in the ears. The particular vibrations of a rolled moonstone bracelet open the 3rd eye chakra and develop the wearer’s clairvoyance.
Moonstone goes perfectly with stones with similar properties. It is for this reason that in lithotherapy it is advisable to wear a pearl bracelet or a necklace with several rolled stones composed of moonstone, amethyst, aquamarine or amber. Lapis lazuli also acts on several chakras. In contact with a moonstone, it therefore multiplies its energies and has the effect of contributing to mental tranquility. It is possible in this case to wear two rings, each with a cabochon stone or a necklace of different rolled pearls.
Moonstone: how to preserve your jewelry
The moonstone must be recharged to release all its benefits. In lithotherapy, it is recommended to clean it under running water and to place it on a cluster of crystal or salt in the light of the moon.
It is a sensitive gem, of medium hardness. It is for this reason that it must be kept apart and alone in its pouch. Indeed, contact with a mineral of a higher hardness could damage the moonstone by scratching it permanently.
BenGems ensures the authenticity of its moonstones and accompanies you to design a truly unique jewel.
