Named after its glowing sheen that resembles the moonlight, the moonstone is one of the most beautiful and sought-after gemstones in the world. For the uninitiated few, the moonstone is a variety of the feldspar group of minerals and is made of two specific minerals of this group – albite and orthoclase.
But did you know that it is available in colours other than white? We bet you didn’t know that!
In this article, we take a look at some of the lesser-known facts about this mystical gem.
- Dazzling Variety of Hues
- Widely Sourced
- The Glowing Effect
- It’s A Birthstone
- Official State Gem of Florida
- Rich Symbolism
1. Dazzling Variety of Hues
Although colourless moonstones with a blue sheen are considered the most valuable, they can be found in many different colours. They’re also available in blue, green, brown, yellow, peach, grey, and shades of white. Interestingly, India is the only country that’s responsible for producing coloured stones.
2. Widely Sourced
Today this stunning gem is mined in Madagascar, Australia, the USA, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Germany, Switzerland, Tanzania, and India. However, the rarest form of moonstones is found only in Sri Lanka.
3. The Glowing Effect
An optical phenomenon known as adularescence is peculiar to the moonstone and looks akin to a moon lying still under the calm of the ocean. This mainly occurs when light is reflected after it touches the multiple, thin feldspar mineral layers present within the gem. The stacked alternating layers of albite and orthoclase act as a diffuser, soften the light and cause it to bounce around the stone, which results in a captivating glow.
Apart from this, some specimens of moonstone jewel exhibit cat’s eye effect and asterism as well.
4. It’s A Birthstone
In addition to the pearl, the moonstone is a birthstone for June borns. In fact, in many parts of the world particularly in Germany, the moonstone is more popular than pearl. It’s also considered as the gifting gem to celebrate the 3rd wedding anniversary.
5. Official State Gem of Florida
Interestingly, even though Florida is not known yet for having any moonstone mines, this jewel was declared as the official gem of this state in 1970. In this year, the Apollo 11 mission was launched from The Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, and American astronauts made their first human steps on the Moon. To commemorate this milestone in the history of humankind, the state designated moonstone as the official state gem of Florida.
6. Rich Symbolism
The moonstone is one of the oldest gemstones known to man and as such several cultures have associated it with various myths and values. While the Romans and Hindus believed that this jewel was born from the moon’s drops and beams, others used it to harness the powers of the moon. It was also believed that moonstone would bring a happy future to couples and hence was used in engagement rings in the Victorian era. These ethereal gems were used as talismans and were said to bring good fortune and luck into the lives of those who wear them.
