Moon Stone
$34.95
Item number:
1
Moon Stone 1.88 CT
Moonstone is a mesmerizing, glowing feldspar gem famed for adularescence—a billowy, floating light effect that resembles moonlight moving across water. Widely used in custom jewelry since the Art Nouveau era, it is a June birthstone. Prices typically range from $5 for raw stones to $200+ for fine, large cut gems.
Key Characteristics
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- The "Glow": Caused by light scattering between alternating microscopic layers of orthoclase and albite within the stone.
- Colors: Renders in white, gray, green, peach, brown, colorless, and the highly sought-after "rainbow" (which actually displays a multicolor sheen).
- Durability: Rates a 6 on the Mohs Hardness Scale, making it relatively soft. It can be prone to scratching or cleaving, so protective settings (like bezels) are recommended for daily-wear jewelry like rings.
History & Lore
- Folklore: In Hindu mythology, the gem was believed to be made of solidified moonbeams. Many cultures consider it a stone of new beginnings, intuition, and good fortune.
- Historical Styles: Popularized by master designers like René Lalique and Louis Comfort Tiffany during the Art Nouveau period, and later embraced by the New Age movement in the 1990s.
Where It's Sourced
The finest classical, colorless-to-transparent moonstones with a crisp blue shimmer are traditionally found in Sri Lanka. Other prominent sources include India (which produces highly abundant peach, green, and brown stones), Myanmar, Madagascar, and the United States.
Care Instructions
To keep your moonstone sparkling, avoid harsh chemical cleaners, steam, or ultrasonic cleaners. Clean it exclusively with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, and store it separately to prevent harder gemstones (like diamonds or sapphires) from scratching it.