Moonstone Healing Properties, Facts and Photos

What is Moonstone?

Moonstone is a trade name for a variety of feldspar that exhibits a unique effect known as adularescence. Adularescence is a soft, milky glow that appears to float just below the stone's surface when viewed from different angles.

Sometimes compared to the moon's reflection on water, it's caused by the scattering of light within the crystal structure of the mineral. 

Rainbow moonstone, despite the name, is actually a type of colourless or white labradorite. This mineral exhibits a distinctive blue flash. Most rainbow moonstone being sold commercially comes from India. 

Moonstone is composed of three different types of feldspar. The amount present varies from one stone to the next. The most common type is adularia, followed by albite. These minerals have a similar chemical composition but a different crystal structure.

The third type of feldspar often found in moonstone is anorthite, but it's only present in very small amounts.

Moonstone, which can be translucent to transparent, can be found in several colours, including pink, cream, white, and black. The colour depends on the type of feldspar present.

The term for the glow or sheen that can be seen in moonstone is known as schiller. The word, which comes from German, is believed to be an old word for 'twinkle.'

The word 'adularescence', which is also used, comes from the mineral adularia. Adularia, which is a rock-forming variety of orthoclase, is named after the Adula Alps in Switzerland, where it was discovered. Adularescence is caused by the mineral adularia.

Moonstone tends to be shaped as a cabochon because it enhances the schiller or adularescence.  

Moonstone was once described as having the appearance of lunar light floating on water, which is believed to be how the name 'moon stone' came about.

Although a subtle white sheen is most commonly observed, hues of orange or blue can also sometimes be seen.

More About Moonstone

Moonstone has a long history and has been used as a gemstone for thousands of years. Scholars believe a white moonstone was the third stone in the second row in the biblical garment known as the high priest breastplate.

The Romans used moonstone in jewellery and believed it was moonlight in a magical solid form. It was especially revered during a full moon.

In Europe during the Middle Ages, it was believed if you gazed at moonstone for long enough you would fall into a deep sleep that would predict the future.

In India, moonstone has long been considered to be sacred and continues to be widely used today.

Moonstone has always been used in jewellery, but it became even more popular in the early part of the 20th century. It was widely used in Art Nouveau jewellery because designers were looking for stones with a mystical appearance and unique properties. It was also very popular in the 1960s. 
 
Some of the world's finest moonstone comes from Myanmar (formerly Burma) and Sri Lanka. Deposits can also be found in Brazil, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Tanzania and the USA.

On the Modern and Mystical Birthstone Charts, moonstone is the birthstone for June. Pearl, alexandrite and emerald can be used as alternatives. On the Ayurvedic Chart, moonstone is the birthstone for September.

On the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, moonstone grades 6 to 6.5. It should always be handled carefully because it tends to break along planes of weakness within its crystal structure.

Moonstone Healing Properties

Moonstone is a stone of new beginnings. All types, irrespective of colour, share this healing property. 

Moonstone, which is closely connected to the cycles of the moon, symbolises change and transformation.

Whether going through a major change in life or embarking on a new venture, moonstone can help you embrace and adapt to your new situation.

Moonstone provides a fresh start when moving on from past trauma or emotional wounds and aids in releasing patterns of behaviour that no longer serve a purpose. It allows you to let go of negative emotions, old habits and stagnant energy, creating space for physical and emotional renewal.

It brings joy and light and promotes a renewed sense of enthusiasm.

The healing properties of moonstone protect those who travel. It's also popular as a talisman to bring luck.
Moonstone stimulates confidence and composure and reminds us that everything is part of a cycle of change. It's a crystal for lucid dreaming that can enhance metaphysical ability and the power of clairvoyance.

Moonstone is associated with balance and feminine energy. This association is based on the belief that the moon's cycles mirror the cycles of a woman's fertility. This connection has its roots in ancient mythology and cultural symbolism rather than scientific evidence.

Moonstone is considered a stone of intuition and nurturing qualities. It's believed that wearing or carrying moonstone can help attune one's energy to the moon's cycles and facilitate a deeper connection to the feminine aspects of life.

Moonstone is often used for love and romance. It's believed to enhance the chances of attracting new love and strengthen the emotional connection within an existing relationship.

The most effective way to charge moonstone is beneath the light of a full moon.

Article Photos

The moonstone at the top of our article is a pink moonstone, although its colour is not truly pink. It exhibits the silky sheen typical of this mineral. The second photo, which is white labradorite, is usually sold as rainbow moonstone. The photo, which is courtesy of Géry Parent, is clickable and redirects to the original photo.

The white labradorite stone in the final photo was once part of our collection.

Pop-up photos: Adularia - Courtesy of Ron Wolf. Albite (with epidote) - Courtesy of Stan Celestian. Moonstone - Courtesy of James St. John.