Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~Albert Einstein
A birthstone for June, along with Pearl and Alexandrite, Moonstone is a feldspar mineral exhibiting a watery opaqueness and something called andularescence (a fancy way of saying there’s a soft glow of light appearing to float just below the surface, rather like that of the moon glowing through a thin cloud cover).
This is an 83.7-carat rainbow Moonstone cabochon, oval in shape, mined in India. It sells for $355.72. Thanks to www.mineralminers.com for the photo.
The state of Florida chose Moonstone as its state gem because of its association with the lunar landing, but really there aren’t any Moonstone deposits there. Rather, this mineral can be found in New Mexico, Brazil, India, Germany, Sri Lanka, Mexico, and Tanzania, among other locations.
Named for its moon-like sheen, Moonstone comes in soft shades of peach, gray, blue, and white. It’s relatively soft (6-6.5 on the 1-10 Mohs Scale of Hardness) but can be fashioned into pendants, earrings, or rings. Spheres and eggs are also popular.
Ancient Asian myth claimed the best blue Moonstones wash up in the tides every 21 years. Moonstones have been used in Roman jewelry for nearly 2,000 years (and longer in the Orient). In India, Moonstone is a traditional wedding gift. Europeans believe it reconciles estranged lovers.
Various colored and polished Moonstones. Thanks to www.quora.com for the photo.
Moonstone is said to help dancers and artists with self-expression and to promote sensitivity in psychiatrists and executives. The mineral is particularly beneficial for those battling weight problems, encouraging them to value themselves for who they are and helping them separate food from emotional needs. Moonstone is said to be beneficial for safe travel, particularly over water and at night.
Feng Shui practitioners believe Moonstone uses metal energy (the energy of intelligence, healing, and creativity) and should be placed in the northwest and west areas of a home or room. Position one in a child’s bedroom to eliminate nightmares.
Moonstone is the zodiac sign for Cancer (June 21-July 22) and is known for its calming qualities. Moonstones have been known to lose their silvery luster if worn by someone who continually holds anger within. They’ve become the stone of choice for a 13th-anniversary gift to counteract the evil influences of the number 13.
Moonstone is associated with the Crown Chakra (the top of the head), controlling how we think and respond to the world around us. A stone of intuition, Moonstone is prized for encouraging insight, easing stress, boosting creativity, promoting conception, helping the digestive system, and balancing hormonal cycles.
To charge your Moonstone, place it on a windowsill or outdoors overnight during a full moon. Cleanse it gently and store it separate from other stones which might scratch it.
Note: The claims here aren’t meant to take the place of medical advice. They’re based on folklore and other sources, and likely “work” best if one’s belief is strong enough!
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
I’ve never heard the word ‘andularescence’ but I recognize the quality. I wondered whether it might apply to opals, too. I read that it does, but the phenomenon is named differently: opalescence. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a moonstone, other than in photos. They’re really beautiful. I wonder if a line of them around my refrigerator would help with that weight thing?
Ha! I just tricked the ad servers. I went looking for moonstones for sale. Now all the ads that pop up will be for pretty gemstones, instead of something else!
Great suggestion! I hate having ads for senior walking devices (canes, rolling walkers, etc.) on my computer from when I searched for something for my mom. Looking at pretty gemstones is much more calming (and who knows, you might find something you can’t live without!)
I love the idea of stringing a line of moonstones around the fridge, Linda! As to whether they’d actually facilitate weight loss, well, I have my doubts, but maybe if you rigged them so they made it next to impossible to open the door, you might be onto something. I’d love to have a moonstone. They’re ethereal-looking, and I could use a quick fix to ease stress and boost creativity!
When I was a kiddie and the moon landings had just happened, I believed that moonstones came from the moon! It seemed so wonderful and magical! I’ve never owned one, and once I discovered it’s just an earth stone after all, it lost some of its mystique. Still beautiful, though. 😀
FF, I think some moonstones do come from the moon, but they’re the ones tucked away into museums and such. These actually are found in the earth (though I love the Asian myth that believes the best blue ones wash up in the tides every 21 years!)
Debbie, I love moonstones because many of them (the milky-looking ones) remind me of an Opal, which is my birthstone.
The second photo down that you shared of the various colors is beautiful! I didn’t realize that they came in that many varieties.
Once again, you educated me on properties of gemstones that were completely new to me…”They’ve become the stone of choice for a 13th-anniversary gift to counteract the evil influences of the number 13.”
That’s fascinating!
Thanks so much for sharing these gemstone post because I really enjoy them! Have a great week, my friend! X
I’m glad I was able to find intriguing, new facts for you, Ron. I don’t have real moonstone jewelry, nor do I have a moonstone egg or sphere. I’d like to because they’re so pretty, and their variety of colors is a big plus. You’re right — they do look rather like opals, minus the sparkling points of fire!
I found it fascinating that you can “charge” moonstone by leaving it outside or setting it on a windowsill during a full moon. I also like that moonstone is supposed to help you travel safely at night and over water.
Have a great week, my friend! xx
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Thank you for reposting!!