A variation of Orthoclase, Moonstone is a sodium potassium aluminium silicate. Moonstone has been used in jewellery for centuries, including ancient civilizations. The Romans admired moonstone as they believed it was born from solidified rays of the moon. Both the Romans & Greeks associated Moonstone with their lunar deities.
The most common Moonstone is of the mineral Adularia. The Plagioclase Feldspar Oligoclase also produces Moonstone specimens. Moonstone is feldspar with a pearly & opalescent lustre. An alternative name is Hecatolite.
Moonstone is composed of two Feldspar species, Orthoclase & Albite. The two species are intermingled. Then, as the newly formed mineral cools, the intergrowth of Orthoclase & Albite separates into stacked alternating layers. When light falls between these thin flat layers it scatters in many directions producing the phenomenon called adularescence.
Deposits of moonstone occur in Australia, the Austrian Alps, Mexico, Madagascar, Burma, Norway, Poland, India, Sri Lanka and the United States. Currently the state gem for Florida.
Metaphysical Properties
Holds pure & divine Goddess energy. This bringer of inner peace is an excellent meditation & manifestation stone. Understanding of one’s ability to create through universal connectivity is found within. Moonstone has the ability to cast our vision into other world as well as the past, present & future within our own dimension.
As it enhances lucid dreams & calm sleep, Moonstone opens windows to the soul for self-exploration. The Earth connection is quite powerful, although it opens the crown Chakra connecting you with spirit guides & higher self, the anchor into the physical plain allows Divine knowledge to be brought back into the conscious mind.
Moonstone is gentle yet strong & offers strength while teaching fearlessness. Moonstone shows us the end is the beginning & cycles of life are vital for growth. The feminine energy within brings balance & units male with female energy.
Moonstone shows you how to compile all your talents into a great mass of focused energy, this is the state of mind from which dreams burst into reality. Also helps to improve learning difficulties & is quite protective of its human friends. Deflecting negative energy & transmuting dark into light through powerful unbreakable love is the continuous goal of Moonstone.
Crystal Healing
Assist with hormones, fertility, thyroid, womb, after breast operations.
Mineralogy
Group: Feldspar (Silicates/ Tectosilicates)
Crystal System: Monoclinic
Composition: (Na,K)AlSi3O8.
Form/Habit: Short Prismatic
Hardness: 6-6.5
Cleavage: Perfect
Fracture: Subconchoidal to uneven, brittle
Lustre: Vitreous
Streak: White
Specific Gravity: 2.5-2.6
Transparency: Transparent to translucent
R.I: 1.51-1.54
Colour: Colourless, white, cream, yellow, pink, brown-red