Moonstones rank among the most stunning gemstones in the world, yet there’s much about them that remains unknown to many. Discover 6 incredible moonstone facts here!
Keyword(s): moonstone facts
Were you aware that June is one of the two months that boast three birthstones? In June, you have the choice of pearl, alexandrite, or moonstone.
So, if you’re born in June, you can pick from three exquisite stones. Among them, moonstone harbors some of the most intriguing facts.
Let’s dive into 6 moonstone facts that are sure to astonish you.
Amazing Moonstone Facts – The Essentials
Composed of Albite and Orthoclase, moonstone belongs to the feldspar mineral family and is regarded as the most precious member of this group today.
Although highly prized in its mesmerizing blue variant, moonstone also comes in an array of colors, including:
- Blue
- Yellow
- Gray
- Pink
- Peach
- Cream
There’s also Labradorite, another feldspar mineral sometimes called “Rainbow Moonstone,” though it isn’t a true moonstone. See the FAQ below for additional information.
Associated with the 3rd anniversary for married couples, all variations of moonstone exhibit a unique bluish hue, contributing to their breathtaking luminescence.
One of the most captivating moonstone facts is their unique healing properties, thanks to the distinct vibrational frequency they possess, resulting from their formation. These properties make moonstone a favorite in feng shui applications, often placed near or under the bed.
Specific Healing Capacities
- Alleviating fears of the unknown
- Balancing emotional states
- Sparking passion, creativity, and direction
- Enhancing intuition
- Promoting mental and physical relaxation
- Encouraging acceptance of reality
- Supporting wisdom and decision-making capabilities
- Boosting confidence and encouraging action
The healing power of birthstones is an ancient tradition, tracing back to the Sumerians in Mesopotamia.
In older times, moonstone was believed to inspire profound passion among lovers and to endow the wearer with the ability to predict the future.
Predicting the Future
Ancient individuals believed that holding moonstone in one’s mouth during a full moon could allow them to foresee their future. This belief was tied to the moon’s gravitational influence drawing energy from the stone.
Bringer of Good Fortune
Known for bestowing prosperity, Romans and Greeks thought moonstone was created from moon fragments and offered significant revitalizing and transformative healing properties.
Moonstone has been a material for crafting elegant necklaces, bracelets, and other jewelry throughout history.
Each month’s birthstones are mined globally, with moonstone coming from places such as Madagascar, Australia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Germany, Switzerland, and India. The colorful variants hail exclusively from India, while other regions only produce the white moonstone.
The prized blue moonstone is mined in Bihar, India.
Moonstone is extensively used in Ayurvedic medicine and other crystal healing practices. Much of therapeutic practice centers in India, yet there is a considerable presence in the U.S. as well. Ayurveda is recognized as the oldest medicinal system.
Ayurvedic Concepts
- The universal interconnectedness of all beings
- The connection between personal health and the entire universe
- The healing power of the body’s life force energy
Ayurvedic Applications
Practitioners might integrate moonstone usage with specific dietary, herbal, exercise regimes, and lifestyle practices.
An Approach for Women
Often considered inherently feminine, moonstone is connected to lunar cycles that influence a woman’s cycle. As such, it can be used to treat:
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) symptoms
- Menstrual bloating and pain
- Assist with pregnancy and childbirth
Integrating Complementary Medicine
In the U.S., some practitioners blend Ayurvedic approaches with conventional Western medicine to address a broader spectrum of health issues. They might also suggest wearing beautiful moonstone jewelry for its benefits.
The moon landings in the 1970s further popularized moonstone, elevating it as a state gem.
During this period, moonstone was designated as the Florida State Gemstone in honor of the Kennedy Space Center and NASA’s accomplishments.
Another remarkable moonstone fact relates to its adularescent properties.
Adularescence is the intriguing blue glow that shimmers as you rotate the moonstone in light, due to the interwoven structure of feldspar elements within the stone.
The Cat’s Eye Effect
The Cat’s Eye phenomenon occurs when a streak of light appears to hover over the moonstone as it is turned, reminiscent of a feline’s watchful gaze.
of a cat’s alert eye.
Asterism
A fairly rare phenomenon, asterism refers to the appearance of a star-like pattern on the gemstone’s surface. As light interacts with the gem, the star may seem to alter in shape or size.
BONUS: FREQUENTLY ASKED MOONSTONE QUESTIONS
Q: What is the spiritual meaning of moonstone?
A: Moonstone, particularly in jewelry, is cherished for its supposed abilities to foster compassion, understanding, and empathy in its wearer. In Feng Shui, it is believed to enhance intuition, psychic abilities, and clairvoyance. Moonstone resonates with feminine energy and was historically thought to support human sexuality. Wearing moonstone is also said to boost intuition and insight.
Q: Is moonstone a real gem?
A: Yes, moonstone is a genuine gemstone, part of the orthoclase feldspar family which includes Labradorite, Sunstone, Rainbow Moonstone, and Amazonite. Moonstone consists of two minerals—orthoclase and albite—that form layered structures within the stone. When light penetrates these layers, it creates the unique adularescence effect, reminiscent of moonlight, thus giving the gem its name. Moonstone jewelry has gained popularity as people become more aware of its unique properties and beauty.
Q: What is the difference between moonstone and rainbow moonstone?
A: To the average person, there may not be a significant difference. Rainbow moonstone is technically transparent labradorite, closely related to white moonstone, a type of feldspar that displays a variety of iridescent colors. Moonstone jewelry often features rainbow moonstone, though this distinction is seldom highlighted. While white moonstone tends to exhibit more prominent white and blue hues, the color differences are often subtle and not easily noticeable.
Q: Can moonstone jewelry be worn every day?
A: Moonstone can indeed be worn daily, provided the setting is of high quality to prevent damage or loss. Sterling silver moonstone jewelry, such as rings, is a popular option that combines quality with affordability. Moonstone pendants and earrings set in sterling silver are also widely favored. To maintain the benefits of moonstone jewelry, it is important to keep it clean and dry, remove it before swimming in chlorinated water, and avoid exposure to harsh chemicals.
Finding the Gemstone That Best Fits Your Needs
Moonstone offers a captivating allure and potential health benefits, from aiding in medicinal practices to symbolizing significant achievements in U.S. history.
These are just a few of the many intriguing facts about moonstone.
If you’re in search of the ideal gemstone for an upcoming event or gift, explore our offerings today.
