Moonstone has captivated humans for centuries with its enchanting shimmer and mystical allure. Renowned for its ethereal glow reminiscent of the moon's soft light, it holds a special place in various cultures and traditions.  

Known for its unique play of light, Moonstone is not only a favourite among gem enthusiasts and jewellery designers but also steeped in rich history and lore. From ancient civilisations that revered it as a sacred stone to its modern-day significance in jewellery and spiritual practices, Moonstone continues to fascinate and inspire.  

In this blog post, we'll delve into the intriguing world of Moonstone and reveal a select few facts about it that you may not have known before. 

Moonstone displays remarkable adularescence

Adularescence is the optical phenomenon that gives Moonstone its signature glow. This effect creates a mesmerising, soft sheen that appears to move across the stone's surface, reminiscent of moonlight shimmering on water.

Adularescence occurs due to the unique internal structure of Moonstone, where layers of different Feldspar minerals scatter light in various directions. When light enters the stone, it is diffracted and reflected, producing a floating, billowy light that seems to emanate from within. 

It is an easy stone for designers to work with

Moonstone is a beloved gemstone among lapidarists for several reasons. Alongside its adularescence, the stone's relatively soft hardness (6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale), allows for easier cutting, shaping, and polishing, enabling them to craft intricate designs and smooth finishes with precision.

For lapidarists, the challenge of revealing the stone's inner glow and the satisfaction of transforming rough specimens into exquisite gems are what make Moonstone a truly rewarding material to work with. 

Due to its softness, Moonstone requires proper care to avoid damage. It is advisable to store Moonstone jewellery separately and avoid harsh chemicals or materials that can harm its surface. 

It has strong lunar associations

People have long associated Moonstone with the moon as it's believed to harness its power and energy, promoting emotional balance, intuition, and feminine energies. 

Moonstone's strong lunar associations stem from its mesmerising, moon-like glow and historical connections to lunar deities and celestial lore. Many ancient cultures revered Moonstone as a sacred gem; in Roman mythology, it was thought to be formed from solidified moonbeams, while Hindu mythology associated it with the moon god, Chandra.

These lunar ties imbue Moonstone with symbolism related to femininity, intuition and balance. Often used in spiritual practices to connect with lunar energy, Moonstone continues to be cherished for its beauty and mystical and symbolic significance linked to the moon.

It is a symbol of love

Moonstone is widely known for representing love and romance. Wearing it is said to bring about harmony and a deep emotional connection, so it is often given as a gift to express love.

Additionally, the Moonstone is considered a stone of fertility and is associated with protection. Thus, it is often bestowed upon expectant and new mothers as a gift. 

It is popular among crystal enthusiasts for its healing properties

Moonstone's metaphysical properties are due to the unique vibrational frequencies it possesses during its formation. Many believe that Moonstone has the power to aid a range of specific areas in a person's life, including: 

• Helping anxiety and fear of the unknown

• Increasing confidence 

• Opening intuition 

• Inspiring passion 

• Balancing emotional stress 

• Relaxing a person's mind

• Encouraging wisdom 

Have you yet to add Moonstone to your gemstone collection? Shop it here.