Moonstone (gemstone)

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.

Geology and Sources

• 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.

Cultural Significance

• 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.

Usage in Jewelry

• 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.

Symbolism and Spiritual Associations

• 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.

Moonstone (gemstone) Data Sources