Milky white with an opalescent glow, Moonstone is one of the three birthstones for June. Yes, the lucky June babies get three magnificent birthstones to choose from: pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite.
Moonstone is a gemstone with a rich cultural history and physical properties that make it truly unique. Its iridescent glow and mysterious allure have made it a popular choice for jewelry and decoration for centuries. But what is the story behind this fascinating gemstone?
Whether you’re a gemstone enthusiast or looking to purchase moonstone jewelry, understanding its significance and how to care for it is essential. With this knowledge, you can enjoy your moonstone for years to come.
So let’s get to it!
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Moonstone Birthstone History
Moonstone has long been associated with mystical and healing properties. In ancient times, it was believed to have connections to the moon and was revered as a talisman for fertility, love, and good fortune.
It was highly valued in ancient Rome, where it was believed to be formed from the rays of the moon. In India, it was considered sacred and was often used in religious jewelry. Moonstone was also popular during the Art Nouveau period, a time when artists were inspired by nature and incorporated natural motifs into their creations.
In Hindu mythology, it is called Chandrakanta, which means “beloved of the moon.” It is believed to bring peace and harmony to relationships and protect against negative energies. In some Native American cultures, moonstone is seen as a symbol of the moon and is associated with femininity, fertility, and healing.
Beyond its cultural significance, moonstone is also believed to hold spiritual and healing properties. Some believe that it can enhance intuition and psychic abilities, while others think it can promote emotional balance and calmness. It is even said to posses the power of love and can help bring new love into one’s life.
Moonstone Birthstone Meaning
Moonstone embodies the mystery and attraction of the moon within its shimmery depths. Wear it as a reminder that, although the moon is constantly changing, it remains whole in all its phases.
Moonstone calms the emotions and provides stability through the transitional phases of life, allowing you to relax into your own natural rhythms.
Moonstone birthstone Properties
Moonstone is a mesmerizing gemstone that can exhibit a distinctive shimmering effect known as adularescence. This unique optical phenomenon is the most recognizable characteristic of moonstone, giving it the appearance of glowing from within.
Found in a variety of colours such as white, yellow, brown, gray, and green, the most prized Moonstones have a blue sheen against a colourless background. The stone’s body colour can range from translucent to opaque, and it’s also a pleochroic gemstone, meaning that its colour can appear different from different angles.
Moonstone belongs to the feldspar mineral group and is composed of orthoclase and albite. It has a Mohs hardness of 6 to 6.5, making it a relatively soft and brittle gemstone that requires proper care to maintain its luster and beauty.
Moonstone birthstone Care
Moonstone is a delicate gemstone that requires special care to maintain its beauty and shine. When it comes to caring for your moonstone jewelry, it’s important to keep a few things in mind.
Firstly, moonstone is a relatively soft stone, with a hardness rating of 6 on the Mohs scale. This means it can scratch easily, and is vulnerable to damage from hard surfaces and sharp objects. To avoid scratches, it’s best to store your moonstone jewelry in a soft pouch or cloth, separated from other jewelry pieces.
Secondly, moonstone is sensitive to certain chemicals and substances. Harsh cleaning agents, perfumes, and lotions can all cause damage to your moonstone jewelry over time. To keep your moonstone looking its best, it’s important to remove your jewelry before applying any lotions or perfumes. When cleaning your moonstone jewelry, use a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner and soft cloth.
Lastly, moonstone is sensitive to temperature changes and extreme heat. Never put a moonstone in an ultrasonic cleaner and don’t use steam cleaners or other high-heat cleaning.
To keep your moonstones sparkling like new, soak in a bit of warm, soapy water before brushing with a clean, soft bristled brush.
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