Moonstone

Moonstone belongs to the feldspar group of minerals. Feldspars display a pearly and opalescent colour and are one of the most prevalent minerals found in the Earth’s crust.

Facts

SPECIES/GROUP : Feldspar

CLASSIFICATION : Gemstone

Name

The name is inspired by the gemstone’s light effect, reminiscent of moonlight shining through clouds.

Sources

Major deposits are found in India and Sri Lanka.

PROCESSING

Moonstone is not modified in any way other than cutting and polishing.

APPEARANCE

Various colours, all displaying a light effect called adularescence, which is unique to feldspars. Pandora uses grey moonstone.

CARE RECOMMENDATIONS

Wear moonstones with care, avoid rough handling and when not being worn, store items of jewellery separately to avoid scratches. Clean with warm, soapy water and gentle brushing.

Durability

Moonstone has a hardness of 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness. However, it has poor toughness due to cleavage in two directions and is susceptible to damage from ultrasonic cleaning. It is not recommended to expose a moonstone to ultrasonic cleaning.

MYTHOLOGY & ASSOCIATION

The moonstone is closely associated with the moon and according to a Hindu legend, moonstones originate from moonbeams. Today, they are still regarded as sacred stones in India and are widely believed to bring good fortune. The ancient Romans also believed moonstones were actually droplets of moonlight, reflecting various elements: romance, femininity, intuition, dreams and emotions. The moonstone is strongly associated with love, making it a highly prized gift for lovers. Legends say that two people wearing moonstones will fall passionately in love when the moon is high, and lovers can use the gem to get a glimpse of their future life together. Among other benefits Moonstone is a calming, healing stone, with feminine associations and is said to increase a woman’s fertility. And like the guiding light of the moon, the moonstone is also connected to travel, known as the protective “Traveller’s Stone."