Discover the Enchanting World of Moonstones: Everything You Need to Know
Moonstones are a captivating type of gemstone that come in diverse colors and have fascinating properties. These mesmerizing stones are known for their ability to glow under ultraviolet light when exposed to strong artificial lighting. In fact, they’re so luminous that they’re often called the gem of all-night gems. Moonstones have been around for ages and have always been considered sacred by many cultures due to their lunar energy. This article will take you on a journey exploring everything you need to know about moonstones, including their origin, diverse variations, and remarkable uses.
Unveiling the Origin of Moonstones
The name “moonstone” comes from the gem’s iridescent sheen – appearing like a pearly white glow, similar to the reflection of the full moon on a still pond, and that name has been known since ancient times in many cultures because of this phenomenon. One fascinating fact about moonstones is that they can start glowing in the dark, giving off a soft silvery light if charged by moonlight during a full moon. It is also believed that they contain lunar energy, which helps connect us to our inner goddess and all goddesses. Hence, many consider these crystals as divine and highly spiritual, often used as talismans for protection, luck, and good fortune.
Products of Nature’s Charisma: Moonstones Variations
Moonstones are highly appreciated worldwide, and they come in many different colors. While most moonstones are white or colorless, they can also be yellow, brownish-gray, or green. One of the rarest moonstones is the blue moonstone that comes from Sri Lanka. The stone has a hardness rating of 6-6.5 on the Mohs Scale, making it very durable.
The enchanting beauty of its Adularescence, the reflection of light off the surface of tiny fibers that make up the stone, is the distinctive characteristic of moonstones. Moonstones typically have a pearly luster and waxy shine, making them appear transparent or translucent, depending on their composition and quality. Additionally, the color of the moonstone is as per the impurities present within the stone, such as iron or titanium oxide. Therefore, different types of moonstones have varying appearances despite sharing primary characteristics such as the adularescent sheen and whiteness.
The Moonstone’s Endless Spectacle of Uses
Moonstones have served various purposes since ancient times. For instance, some cultures would use moonstones as talismans to ward off evil spirits, protect travelers from dangerous animals, improve fertility and strengthen bonds between lovers. They were also used to cure serious illnesses like rheumatism and arthritis through ancient practices like cupping therapy. While the uses have evolved over time due to advancements, moonstones are now primarily put to ornamental purposes such as jewelry. They make for excellent pieces given their mesmerizing beauty and captivating charm.
Types of Moonstones
Moonstones come in various types, each with its unique properties and charm. Let’s explore the four most popular moonstones types:
Blue Moonstone
The blue moonstone is a type of labradorite that has cobalt inclusions within the stone, giving it a striking blue hue. It is relatively rare, has a hardness ranking of 6-6.5 on the Mohs Scale, making it a durable option for jewelry, and is also known as adularia or “blue flint.”
Golden Moonstone
This type of moonstone is a variety of orthoclase feldspar with an unusually high amount of hematite inclusions. Hematite gives it a golden-yellow iridescence when held to light –hence, earned its name- and has a hardness ranking on the Mohs Scale of 6-6.5, making it relatively durable.
Pink/Red Moonstone
This type of moonstone is one of the most captivating due to its striking pink and red coloration. A variety of labradorite with rutile inclusions, it has an iridescent sheen when held to light or moved around under different lighting conditions like sunlight or lamplight. It has a ranking of 6-7 on the Mohs Scale, granting it an excellent hardness rating.
White Moonstone
White moonstones are labradorites with an unusually high white coloration and iridescent sheen when held to light. Due to their captivating white color, they’re the most popular type of moonstone. The stone has a hardness ranking of 6-7 on the Mohs Scale, making it a durable option to consider.
In Conclusion
Moonstones are a wonder to behold, with each type possessing its unique properties, beauty, and charm. They have been around for centuries and are well-respected in many cultures worldwide due to their lunar energy. Although moonstones were traditionally used for various purposes, they’re now mainly used for their ornamental properties, such as in jewelry, where they make for a stunning addition or centerpiece. With this, we hope you now know everything you need to know about these captivating stones.