Moonstone

The name moonstone originates from its unique adularescent sheen, which resembles the glow of the moon. The term comes from the ancient Greek word selēnítēs lithos, meaning “moon stone,” and the Latin lapis lunae. It was also called Chandrakanta in Indian culture, meaning “beloved of the moon.”

Other names include:

• Selenite – Sometimes confused with the mineral gypsum but historically linked to moonstone.
• Adularia – Named after the Adula mountain range in Switzerland, where some of the earliest specimens were found.
• Ceylon Opal – A name used in Sri Lanka to describe the high-quality moonstone found there.

Moonstone (AKA Hecatolite) is a feldspar mineral exhibiting a soft, watery opaqueness and a silvery-white reflection called chatoyancy that moves as a line across the surface as light varies. The name was formalised by A.G. Werner in 1780. However, for thousands of years, across many civilisations, it has been associated with the moon and its powers.

Composition and Physical Characteristics

Moonstone is a variety of the feldspar mineral group, specifically orthoclase and albite. Its chemical formula is (K,Na)AlSi3O8. The stone forms in layers, which scatter light to produce its signature glow known as adularescence.

Physical Properties:

• Colour: Typically white or cream, but also found in peach, grey, blue, and even rainbow hues.
• Hardness: 6–6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft.
• Lustre: Pearly or opalescent.
• Transparency: Translucent to semi-transparent.
• Cleavage: Perfect in one direction, making it prone to breaking if struck.

Varieties:

• Blue Moonstone: Exhibits a soft blue glow, highly prized.
• Rainbow Moonstone: A labradorite variety displaying multiple colours.
• Peach Moonstone: Warm peach or orange tones, associated with emotional balance.
• Grey Moonstone: Often linked to inner wisdom and the unseen realms.
• Cat’s Eye Moonstone: Displays a chatoyant (cat’s eye) effect.

Locations

Moonstone is found in various locations worldwide, with the most notable sources including:

• Sri Lanka: Home to the finest blue moonstones.
• India: Produces rainbow, peach, and grey varieties.
• Madagascar: Known for high-quality moonstones with strong adularescence.
• Myanmar (Burma): Mines yield rare and sought-after specimens.
• Brazil: Supplies a variety of moonstones, including peach and white.
• United States: Found in Virginia and New Mexico.
• Tanzania: A newer source of quality moonstone.

Archaeological and Significant moonstone Finds

• Ancient Rome: It was believed the stone was formed from frozen moonlight and was used in jewellery and amulets.
• Hindu Temples: Regarded the stone as sacred and linked to the divine feminine.
• Art Nouveau Jewellery: René Lalique and other designers prominently featured the crystal in their works during the early 20th century.
• Burmese Royalty: Worn by nobility as a talisman for wisdom and guidance.

Historical and Current Usage

• Ancient Civilisations: Used in talismans, amulets, and ceremonial jewellery.
• Victorian Era: Popular in romantic jewellery due to its ethereal appearance.
• Modern Jewellery: Widely set in rings, pendants, and bracelets.
• Meditation and Healing: Used in spiritual practices for emotional and intuitive healing.
• Birthstone Jewellery: Recognised as a June birthstone.

Interesting Facts about Moonstone

• Associated with the goddess Diana in Roman mythology.
• It was considered a traveller’s stone, offering protection during journeys.
• Some cultures believed the stone could predict the future when placed under the tongue.
• Moonstone jewellery was given as a token of love and passion.
• In India, it is thought to bring good fortune and harmony to marriages.

Moonstone Folklore, Legends and Tales

• Hindu Mythology, Moonstone is believed to be solidified moonbeams holding the essence of the divine feminine.
• Middle Ages, Thought to enhance dreams and visions, providing insight into the future.
• Asian Traditions, Believed to contain a spirit that would grow brighter with the waxing moon.
• European Legends: Said to reconcile lovers and spark passion when shared between partners.
• Ancient Greeks merged the names of the goddess of love (Aphrodite) and the goddess of the moon (Selene) creating “Aphroselene.”
• The Romans believed that it is formed from moonlight in the image of the moon goddess, Diana.
• Legends say that moonstone brings good luck. Many believed that you could see the future if you held it in your mouth during a full moon.
• Once called “Travelers Stone” and said to protect those who travel by night or on water when the moon is shining.
• Asian myths
• The most beautiful blue moonstones are brought by tides once every 21 years.
• Used as amulets and hung in fruit trees to attract abundant crops and as a good luck charm and a potential cure for insomnia.
• The moving light inside the gem is a live spirit.
• Given as a customary wedding gift for the thirteenth year and every thirteen years after that, as they believe that the gem can wash away the negative connotation of thirteen.
• One of their legends is the battle between Vishnu and Bali, the demon god. When Vishnu broke Bali’s body into pieces, the parts that fell on Earth turned into different jewels. The sparkle in his eyes turned into “Chandrakanta” or what we know now as Moonstone.

Mystical Healing Properties

Moonstone is considered a powerful healing stone, linked to:

• Emotional Balance: Soothes stress and stabilises emotions.
• Feminine Energy: Enhances fertility, hormonal balance, and intuition.
• Dream Enhancement: Aids lucid dreaming and spiritual visions.
• New Beginnings: Encourages growth, transformation, and positive change.
• Protection: Shields travellers and sensitive individuals from negative energy.

Moonstone Varieties & Their Energies

Rainbow Moonstone – Acts as a prism, dispersing energy throughout the aura. It provides psychic protection, enhances lucid dreaming and sleep, deflects negativity, and eases emotional trauma. Connected to the Goddess, it links with Nature’s energies, from plant spirits to galactic consciousness.

Blue or Cat’s Eye Moonstone – Enhances mental clarity and inner vision, keeping one focused in meditative or altered states. It helps recognise emotional patterns, life lessons, and balance yin-yang energies.

Grey Moonstone – Aids in perceiving beyond the veil, making it valuable for clairvoyants and shamans. Known as the “New Moon Stone,” it embodies mystery, potential, and unseen realms.

White Moonstone – Holds the energy of the full moon, heightening psychic perception, vision, and dream work. It magnifies emotions, supports kundalini energy in women, balances emotions in men, and helps children overcome nightmares or insomnia. White Moonstone is linked to the Crown Chakra, representing spiritual connection, peace, and wisdom.

Peach or Yellow Moonstone – Supports the heart and soothes worry or anxiety and fosters kindness, promotes self-acceptance, and is an emotional aid for sensitive or intuitive children. It also helps those struggling with weight issues to separate food from emotional needs.

Moonstone is thought to open the heart to nurturing and love. It is an ideal crystal for first love or secret romances and is believed to reunite lovers parted by anger.

Known as an aphrodisiac, it is said that when worn by two people, they will fall passionately in love when the moon is high. It stimulates kundalini energy and desire, making it the ultimate fertility stone. Moonstone aligns with the natural rhythms of the lunar cycle, helping women attune to their biological energy and feminine power.

Astrology and Zodiac Links

Moonstone is associated with:

• Cancer (June 21 – July 22): Enhances intuition and emotional depth.
• Libra and Scorpio: Also benefit from its balancing and transformative energies.
• Planetary Ruler: The Moon, reflecting its deep connection with emotions and cycles.

Chakra System Connections

Moonstone is strongly linked to:

• Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): Enhances spiritual awareness and divine connection.
• Third Eye Chakra (Ajna): Strengthens intuition and inner vision.
• Sacral Chakra (Swadhisthana): Balances emotions and reproductive energy.

Birthstone and Wedding Anniversary Links

• Birthstone: Recognised as an alternative June birthstone.
• Wedding Anniversary: Associated with the 13th wedding anniversary, symbolising enduring love and wisdom.