BIRTHMONTH: June
Another synonym for moonstone is 'selenite', from the Greek 'selene' ('moon'). The moonstone is characterized by an enchanting play of light. This gemstone is surrounded by a good deal of mystique and magic. In many cultures it is regarded as a holy, magical gemstone. Moonstones in India are regarded as 'dream stones' believed to bring the wearer beautiful dreams. In Arabic cultures, it symbolizes fertility associating it as a “lover’s stone”.
The moonstone also symbolizes our being in its entirety. Its soft shimmer strengthens our emotional and subconscious aspects. It is also said that wearing a moonstone strengthens our intuition and our capacity to understand.
MYTHS & LEGENDS
According to Hindu mythology, moonstone is made of solidified moonbeams. Legends say that moonstone brings good luck. Many believed that you could see the future if you held a moonstone in your mouth during a full moon.
ABOUT THE STONE
Another synonym for moonstone is 'selenite', from the Greek 'selene' ('moon'). The moonstone belongs to the large mineral group of the feldspars, almost two thirds of all the rocks on Earth consists of this group. The moonstone is actually the feldspar variety known as 'adularia'. Moonstones from Sri Lanka, shimmer in pale blue on an almost transparent background. Those from India feature a nebulous interplay of light and shadow on a background of beige-brown, green, orange or brown.
It’s hard to appreciate the gemstone in their uncut state. Only after the cutter worked his magic will the mysterious shimmer of light be apparent. The shimmer of light of the moonstone is something very special in the fascinating world of gemstones. Specialists refer to the phenomenon as 'adularisation'. The cause of it is the lamellar inner construction of the gemstone. Incident light rays are refracted and scattered in the stone. In this way, a unique light effect comes about, and it is this which makes the moonstone so distinctive and so desirable. Moonstones should be handled with care, for they are sensitive.
Source: https://www.gemstone.org, https://www.gia.edu/
Photo by: Adrian Pingstone
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