Moonstone (gemstone) – Harry & Co Jewellery

Etymology and Physical Characteristics

Moonstone derives its name from the stones characteristic visual effect called adularescence or schiller.
Adularescence produces a milky, bluish interior light caused by light diffraction through alternating layers of orthoclase and albite within the stone.
The diffracted light varies from white to blue depending on the thinness of the albite layers.
The micro-structure of moonstone consists of regular exsolution layers of different alkali feldspars.
Polished moonstones often display chatoyancy and rare asterism.

The most common moonstone is of the orthoclase feldspar mineral adularia.
Moonstone specimens can also be produced from a solid solution of plagioclase feldspar oligoclase and potassium feldspar orthoclase.
Moonstone deposits can be found in various countries including Armenia, Australia, Austria, Mexico, Madagascar, Myanmar, Norway, Poland, India, Sri Lanka, and the United States.
Historically, valuable moonstones with a strong blue sheen came from Myanmar.
Today, most commercial moonstones come from Sri Lanka.

Moonstone has been used in jewelry for millennia, including ancient civilizations.
The Romans admired moonstone and believed it was derived from solidified rays of the Moon.
Moonstone was associated with lunar deities in both Roman and Greek cultures.
Moonstone gained popularity during the Art Nouveau period, with many jewelry pieces created using this stone.
Moonstone is the Florida State Gemstone, designated in 1970 to commemorate the Moon landings.

Moonstone has been used in jewelry for centuries due to its unique visual effects.
The Romans and Greeks particularly admired moonstone and associated it with their lunar deities.
Moonstone was widely used during the Art Nouveau period by renowned goldsmiths like René Lalique.
Moonstone is still popular in contemporary jewelry designs.
It is valued for its iridescent sheen and mystical appeal.

Moonstone is designated as the Florida State Gemstone, chosen to commemorate the Moon landings.
Despite its designation, moonstone does not naturally occur in Florida.
Moonstone has symbolic associations with the Moon and lunar deities.
It has been revered for its connection to intuition, feminine energy, and emotional balance.
Moonstone is often used as a talisman or amulet for protection and spiritual growth.

Reference	URL
Glossary	https://harryandcojewellery.com.au/blogs/glossary/moonstone-gemstone
Wikipedia	http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonstone_(gemstone)
Wikidata	https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q430034
Knowledge Graph	https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/m/02qrfj_