This might seem to be an ordinary, bland-looking stone, but in the presence of light and movement the appearance transforms this unassuming gem into something spectacular and mesmerizing.
With its pearly iridescence, the moonstone is not only a favorite among gem aficionados but also favored and highly valued by monks, spiritualists, shamans, and devoted religious practitioners of various denominations.
So what are the true origins of the moonstone gem? What is the meaning behind its name, and does it possess any powers that we can draw from?
This gem was coveted by ancient cultures and was believed to have been created by beams from the moon itself. The stone’s powers were also believed to have come from the moon, as it was created by its beams. The stone was and is to this day believed to endow its wearer with feelings of love and affection and would also bring good fortune to whoever dons it.
As a jewelry piece, the moonstone only became an iconic and focal part of the construction of rings, necklaces, and earrings in the early twentieth century. Before that, it was merely used as an accent stone.
The stone forms part of the orthoclase feldspar group and is composed of potassium aluminum silicate. This stone is quite fragile and, for that reason, jewelers often use the moonstone gem as an insert for earrings and necklaces rather than rings. But due to the growing popularity of the gem, designers are incorporating it into engagement ring designs much more frequently.
A common mistake that people make, is to confuse this natural gem with the Opalite. This Opalite, however, is a man-made glass and not a natural gemstone. Sellers will often try to deceive the public by referring to Opalite as a quartz or a crystal. The Opalite glass is also cut in certain ways to more closely resemble the moonstone gem to further confuse potential buyers.
Due to the soft composition of the stone, experts have also taken to carving the gem into unique shapes. It is prone to chipping, however, so precise work is demanded from gem cutters and care should be taken not to attempt designs that become too intricate.
When it comes to the metaphysical properties of this crystal, there are quite a number of properties believed to be associated with it. The stone is considered a healing stone and is connected with water Zodiac signs. It’s believed that the gem can enhance the wearer’s intuition, improve their confidence, alleviate fear associated with change, and even help one become more passionate.