Moonstone is a Captivating Favorite with Many Benefits

Moonstone is a Captivating Favorite with Many Benefits 


A Preface to the History, Metaphysical and Spiritual and Healing Benefits of Moonstone

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Moonstone is one of the most popular ornamental gemstones, which is of no surprise, due to its beautiful delicate display of color often peering through a thin veil of soft gray or pure white.  Some specimens are bolder in color, with a rainbow of color popping forth from a solid background of black or rich sea blue.  Whatever is your fancy, you can find a moonstone to love.

If you would like to read about the history and metaphysical benefits, both physical and spiritual, here is a preface to the world of moonstone and what this lovely, captivating stone can do for you.  First, learn about the types of moonstone, as there are several different color varieties.

Types of Moonstone

Over the centuries, many different colored moonstones have been unearthed.  The most common and abundant is the pearly white moonstone with speckles of color.  Others are gray moonstone, peach moonstone, blue moonstone, black moonstone and rainbow moonstone.  The variations are stunning with some of the more rare highest sought after pieces being of the blue and black varieties. 

Moonstone and its Modern History

In modern times, moonstone was especially popularized during the Art Nouveau period (late 1800’s to early 1900’s).  Many of that time periods’ jewelers and metal-smiths adored the stone and used it regularly in jewelry designs.  Immediately the stone became widespread and popular, and has since won the jewelry trade over with both designers and patrons alike. 

Today, moonstone is found in large quantities and mined in the United States, Mexico, Madagascar, Norway, Burma, Poland, India, Sri Lanka and Australia.  It remains a market dominating gemstone. 

Metaphysical History of Moonstone

Moonstone got its name long ago by ancient civilizations.  The common name is so perfect, it has stayed throughout time.  In the most common and popular moonstones, it appears as though the moon is showing behind a thin veil of clouds.  It was believed, especially in early Greece and Rome, that moonstone was literally solidified moon beams.  The ancient deities associated with the moon were all represented by moonstone.

Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Applications

·      Moonstone is considered a feminine stone, as it is related to the moon.  Most moonstone jewelry pieces you see available are for women.  However, there is an increase in jewelry pieces for men that feature a moonstone, as its’ qualities are for everyone.

·      Moonstone is used most often with the crown chakra, the body’s 7th energy center located above the brow and third eye chakra.  It is the energy center that connects us to the Universe and Deity.

·      Moonstone is also used to help clear all energy centers, one of the only minerals used in this way.  It is said to rid the energy centers of any negativity and to provide balance.

·      The different colored moonstones are associated with slightly different uses.  White moonstone is used during the full moon and is said to heighten psychic awareness and magnify the emotions.  Gray moonstone represents the new moon and is used for the same as white moonstone.  Peach colored moonstone is a soothing stone that can be used to aide with anxiety, especially with children who are very emotionally sensitive.  Blue moonstone has extra calming properties, as all blue gemstones do.  Rainbow moonstone is perhaps the most powerful of the moonstones to connect with the crown chakra.

·      It is also known as the traveler’s stone.  It is said to offer protection while traveling, particularly by water.  For example, if you wear a strand of moonstone beads around your neck, that strand is an amulet said to aid in safe travels. 

Physical and Health Benefits of Moonstone

·      Moonstone is specifically physically used to help with the brain.  It is a powerful stone used to treat mental clarity and to also help with insomnia and other sleep disorders. 

Other Interesting Notes and What Makes that Wonderful Display of Color Answered

·      Perhaps one of the most interesting notes of moonstone is that we are still finding new varied specimens.  For example, the blue or rainbow moonstone of Sri Lanka is recent find from only 15 to 20 years ago.  The whole feldspar group is interesting in this way due to its diversity and the mix of calcium to sodium ratios.  Other feldspars include labradorite and sunstone.

·      The wonderful glow that moonstone gives off is due to light bouncing back and forth (diffraction) through its lamellar inner crystal structure.  It is similar to labradorescence (the schiller effect in labradorite); however, it is slightly different and is termed aduralescence. 

·      Moonstone is the birthstone for the month of June and for the zodiac sign of Libra.  Giving a jewelry piece set with moonstone to a Libra or to someone with a birthday in June is said to bring luck and protection to that person.  This concept holds true for any birthstone given as a gift.

·      It is also the state gemstone for Florida.  Moonstone was named the state gemstone in 1970 since all space flights were solely launched at The Kennedy Space Center in Florida at the time.  More specifically, moonstone was selected as a symbol to represent the first landing on the moon. 

·      The chemical composition of moonstone is calcium sodium aluminum silicate, and it is actually more correctly termed as orthoclase or adularia.  The minerals orthoclase and adularia are almost identical, and they are both plagioclase feldspars. They are not well known outside of those who collect and are interested in minerals for their geology.  However, in their ornamental forms, they very much are. Two other examples of plagioclase feldspar are sunstone and labradorite.  The geology in explaining the feldspar minerals, such as moonstone, is fascinating, and you are encouraged to learn more if this sort of thing sparks your interest.

In summary, moonstone is truly a magical, captivating stone.  It reminds us of the mesmerizing moon, and therefore, has appealed to humanity since it was first found so long ago.  Enjoy your moonstone(s), little captured bundle of moon beams, and be safe in your travels.

 *The overall western medical community does not recognize the benefits of gemstones.  Please do not replace the listed uses with your health practitioner’s recommendations.