Moonstone Gemstone

Moonstone

General Gemstone Details

Other names for this stone are water opal, fish-eye, and wolf's-eye. Long considered to have inherent connections to the moon by all ancient cultures familiar with the stone, it was used during the waxing of the moon for love charms and during the waning of the moon to foretell the future.
The moonstone in India is quite a sacred stone, it is only permitted to be displayed on a yellow cloth. In this culture they called the moonstone Candra Kanta, and it is told that moonlight from a full moon gives the gemstone occult and magical powers. It is believed to bring much good fortune and allows one to see the future.
To dream of moonstone means travel and good health, but may also symbolize the unfolding of spiritual and psychic development.

Scientific Properties:
Mohs Hardness of 6 with a monoclinic crystal structure.

Moonstone is the opalescent variety of Orthoclase, which is an alkai feldspar, with a blue or white sheen, referred to as a "schiller", rather like the shine of the moon, hence it's name. The sheen is created by the reflection of light from the internal structure of layers. The layers are thin albite that give the attractive blue, while thicker layers feldspar produce the white color. It's most amazing, and much like the moon!

Moonstone from Sri Lanka, the classical country of origin for Moonstone, shimmers pale blue on almost transparent ground, it's magical! Specimens from India show cloudlike plays of light and shade on beige brown, green, orange or simple brown background. These subdued colors in combination with the fine shine make Moonstone an ideal gemstone for jewelry with a sensuous and feminine character.

This gemstone was once before extremely popular, about a hundred years ago in the times of Art Nouveau. It used to decorate a striking number of pieces of jewelry pieces created by the famous French Master Goldsmith René Lalique and by his contemporaries. These pieces are usually only found in a museum or in collections nowadays.

Mystical Properties:
Vibrating with the feminine wisdom and Goddess energy of the waxing and full Moon, moonstone has a reflective, calming energy. It helps to strengthen intuition and psychic perception and brings balance and harmony with the All. It is said to have the power to grant wishes. Moonstone Honors the Goddess in all women. It aids in dieting, gardening, psychic awareness and meditation. It soothes stress, anxiety, women's hormones it enhances intuitive sensitivity via feelings and less overwhelmed by personal feelings. Greater flexibility and flow with life.

Helps all be more comfortable with our gentler feminine/yin receiving side. Especially for water signs. Helps one be more conscious of the fact that all things are part of a cycle of constant change. It is a recommended gemstone for farmers and gardeners, artists, dancers and young men.

Moonstone, Colored
Peach or Apricot Moonstone A wonderful stone of soothing, feminine energy. Calming and brightening the emotions and it helps to improve the wearer's self-image. It reminds us of our own worth and divinity. It invokes sensuality and gentle passion. The color reminds of the enchanted feeling when the Full Moon is huge and orange and low on the horizon.

Moonstone, Rainbow
Rainbow Moonstone Vibrating with the feminine wisdom and Goddess energy of the waxing and full Moon, has a reflective, calming energy. It helps to strengthen intuition and psychic perception and brings balance and harmony with the All. The Rainbow effect invokes a spectrum of light, and feels cleansing and uplifting.

Moonstone, Silver Grey
Silver Grey Moonstone Invoking the reflective, intuitive power and Goddess energy of the waning moon, this silver-grey stone eases frustrations and lends a greater ability ability to flow and move in harmony natural tides of life.

Healing Properties:
The Moonstone is said to assist with female issues and with childbirth. By unblocking the lymphatic system, it can heal and balance the stomach, pancreas, and pituitary gland. It can reduce swelling and excess body fluid.

Placed under the pillow it will allow for a more peaceful sleep, and is often used as a cure for insomnia, and used along with the amethyst.

Moonstone is also used as a stand in for pearl, when pearl is not available.

Zodiac:
Associations: Moon

Mystical Birthstone for the Month of June

Stone of Cancer, Libra and Scorpio

Moonstone has a positive influence on Cancer while a bluish moonstone is more effective for Pisces. Because of the way it travels thru the Zodiac, Moonstone is also considered a protective stone while traveling, especially at night or on the water.