Moonstone Gem Facts

Moonstone gem facts are a part of history and folklore. For centuries, people have incorporated the moonstone in decorative jewelry, talismans or sacred objects. People from India to Rome believed that moonstone fell from the sky and associated it with the moon. Over the years, healing properties, love spells and clairvoyance were connected with this gemstone. Today the fascination with moonstone's beauty and mystical lore lives on.

Despite the belief that moonstone fell from the sky, the gem comes from earth. Moonstone is a member of the orthoclase feldspar mineral family. It is a combination of potassium aluminum silicate. The stones have a crystal structure that shimmers when the light hits them. The shimmer effect is called adularescence. Moonstone jewelry is cut into a smooth cabochon shape to enhance the effect.

Moonstones are translucent with a sheen that resembles pearls and opals. The gems come in a variety of colors--white, gray, peach, pink, yellow, blue and green. Some types are completely transparent and others are colorless. Rainbow moonstone, which is an iridescent white or gray with a blue sheen in the light, is the most popular type. The higher quality moonstones have a high degree of shimmer.

Moonstone is found in Sri Lanka, Brazil, Madagascar, India, Germany, Tanzania, Mexico, Australia and the United States. The rarest forms of moonstone originate in Sri Lanka.

Moonstone lore crosses cultures. The ancient Greeks called the gem Aphroselene in honor of the goddesses Aphrodite and Selene. The Romans claimed the goddess Diana could be seen in every moonstone. In ancient Asia, they believed the gem was a solid ray of moonlight filled with good spirits. Moonstone was revered in India as a symbol of the third eye. Europeans gazed into moonstone to invoke prophetic dreams during the Middle Ages. Moonstone has also been associated with the Archangel Haniel, whose name means Glory of God. Most goddess lore ties to the gem.

Known as talisman for protection, health and good fortune, moonstone was called the traveler's stone, it was used for protection on journeys. Many believed that the gem calmed anxiety and promoted harmonious relationships.

Couples wore the gem to help them have a happy future without strife. It was also believed that two people could fall passionately in love if they saw each other during a full moon while one of them wore moonstone. In fact, during Victorian times, moonstone rings were often used as engagement rings.

Some stories say that one could predict the future if you placed moonstone in your mouth and gazed at a full moon. Amulets of moonstone were also hung in fruit trees to encourage an abundant harvest season.

Moonstone has always been connected with femininity and motherhood. Many believed the gems healed feminine health problems such as menstrual cramps or infertility and protected the health of pregnant women. Moonstone is also one of the birthstones for June, along with pearl and alexandrite.

Today moonstone is still connected with ancient lore. While many simply wear the moonstone for decoration, others use moonstone for talismans, healing and spiritual purposes. Moonstone gem facts include both medicinal and metaphysical uses.

Moonstone is sometimes incorporated in healing therapy for the following health concerns:

• Reduces stress or anxiety
• Treats female hormone imbalance
• Helps menstrual problems and relieves premenstrual syndrome
• Increases fertility
• Enhances libido
• Prevents epileptic seizures
• Cures digestive issues
• Rids the body of toxins
• Gets rid of a headache
• Prevents sun stroke
• Stops a nose bleed

Practiced for centuries, some people still use moonstone for medicinal purposes.

Metaphysical lore associates the moon with the gem. Moonstone is connected to water just as the moon affects the tide. The gem has water energy and an affinity with the astrological water signs. Some of the metaphysical lore includes:

• Balances yin and yang
• Connects 2nd and 6th Chakra and the pineal gland to balance emotions
• Stimulates intuition
• Encourages dreams and hope
• Helps a person embrace change without fear
• Moonstone worn with amethyst represents the sacred feminine in wiccan practices
• Rainbow moonstone provides calm, wisdom and psychic perception
• Peach moonstone improves self-image, confidence and sensuality
• Silver moonstone encourages harmony and peace

Moonstone is sometimes used in dream pillows. You can also place the stone under your regular pillow to ensure a restful night's sleep.

Moonstone jewelry generally ranges in price from $10 to about $300 depending on the quality of the stone and the setting. Moonstone gems set with sterling silver and gold will always be more expensive than plated and pewter pieces. Antique moonstone rings set in gold may even cost $1,000. Rare Sri Lankan moonstone jewelry may cost over $1,000. You can buy moonstone jewelry at local jewelry shops or online. College campuses often have small jewelry shops with affordable moonstone jewelry. Here are some online sources for moonstone jewelry:

• Auntie's Treasures
  • Moonstone earrings, necklaces and pendants
• Dragonweave Jewelry
  • Moonstone necklaces and pendants at affordable prices
• Ebay
  • Many moonstone jewelry options at various prices

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