Birthstone of June

Moonstone is among the birthstones for June, standing alongside pearls and alexandrite. It’s thought to bestow balance, harmony, and emotional healing upon individuals born during this month.

Ancient Associations

Moonstone boasts a storied past that traces back to ancient civilizations. Revered by the Romans, Greeks, and Hindus for its ethereal beauty and mystical attributes, this gem holds sacred significance in India, often linked to the moon deity.

Symbol of Femininity

Across various cultures, moonstone embodies femininity and motherhood, reflecting connections to lunar cycles and fertility. It is thought to amplify intuition, nurturing instincts, and emotional wellness.

Moonstone Trade Routes

Historically, moonstone traversed ancient trade routes from India to Europe, prized for its iridescent sheen. Adorning jewelry and ornaments worn by royalty and nobility, it held significant value.

Adularescence

Moonstone is renowned for its unique adularescence, a captivating display of a floating blue or white light effect akin to moonlight dancing on water. This optical phenomenon enhances the stone’s charm and enigmatic appeal.

Moonstone Mines

Moonstone is predominantly sourced from countries like India, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Myanmar. Each region yields moonstones with distinct colors, clarity, and adularescence, greatly coveted by gem collectors and jewelry craftsmen.

Moonstone in Folklore

Within folklore and mythology, moonstone is frequently linked to lunar deities and goddesses like Selene in Greek mythology and Chandra in Hindu mythology. This gem is thought to encapsulate the mystical essence of the moon, bestowing blessings and safeguarding those adorned with it.

Balancing Energies

Moonstone is renowned for its calming and balancing energies, making it a favored option for meditation and spiritual endeavors. It is reputed to alleviate emotional stress, foster inner tranquility, and boost psychic capabilities.

Moonstone in Modern Jewelry

Moonstone remains a beloved gemstone in modern jewelry design. Its shimmering beauty infuses rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets with elegance and mystique, offering a versatile option for any occasion, be it casual or formal wear.

Moonstone Healing Properties

Within alternative healing practices, moonstone is linked to healing and rejuvenation. It is said to ease menstrual discomfort, balance hormones, and support fertility and childbirth. Moreover, moonstone is believed to boost intuition and psychic sensitivity, aiding in spiritual development and enlightenment.

MOONSTONE: ITS HISTORY, ORIGIN, COMPOSITION, PROPERTIES, AND VIRTUES IN CRYSTAL HEALING

Moonstone embodies femininity, motherhood, and innocence, naturally enhancing intuition, travel, and spirituality. Embrace its presence in your daily routine to balance hormones and infuse a touch of gentleness. Explore the myriad virtues of this exquisite gem in the realm of crystal healing.

ETYMOLOGY OF THE TERM “MOONSTONE”

Known as moonstone in English, this gemstone holds a rich history intertwined with our ancestors’ fascination with the moon. The resemblance between the moon and the moonstone captivated them, leading to its fitting name. Admired for its white hue and shimmering, moon-like reflections, this gem has enchanted admirers of the nighttime sky throughout history.

HISTORY OF MOONSTONE

In ancient times, moonstone held a mystical allure as a divination tool, revered as the stone of goddesses. The Romans, in particular, linked this gem to Diana, the goddess of the moon and the hunt, believing her divine presence was reflected in its luminous depths. Moonstone was already entwined with notions of femininity, grace, and intuition.

Seeking celestial insight, some men donned women’s attire while clasping the stone in their mouths, seeking to channel its extraordinary powers of clairvoyance and spiritual enlightenment by embodying a feminine essence.

The moonstone, with its well-known white or silvery color, was believed by Indian and Roman civilizations to be formed by moonlight. Even today, this gem holds sacred significance in India. According to Roman beliefs, the moonstone influenced celestial phases. Renowned for its connection to love, it is thought to sway emotions of affection.

In ancient times, Greeks utilized it to safeguard pregnant women during gestation. Linked to fertility and passion, moonstone heightened desires and pleasures. This association with fertility extended to the Middle East, where it was used to enhance chances of conception. Among the Egyptians, moonstone symbolized protection. After dusk, Egyptian travelers adorned themselves with this gem for defense against nightly hazards and to tap into its intuitive powers.

Discovered in 1801 by Jean-Claude Delamétherie, the gemstone moonstone unveiled its mysteries in the early 19th century. In 2000, moonstone was officially recognized by the State of Florida in the United States, commemorating the first moon landing in 1969.

Today, moonstone is extensively used in creating cabochons and exquisite jewelry pieces like necklaces, bracelets, and pendants. These elegant adornments are worn for their crystal healing properties or simply as fashion statements. Primary moonstone deposits are concentrated in Sri Lanka and Armenia around Lake Sevan, while smaller deposits can be found globally in places like Australia, Norway, Germany, Poland, Mexico, and Brazil.

ORIGIN AND COMPOSITION OF MOONSTONE

Derived from the feldspar family, moonstone distinguishes itself from quartz. The name “moonstone” originates from Sanskrit words “kanta,” signifying “beloved,” and “chandra,” meaning “moon.” When combined, they signify “beloved of the moon,” alluding to its mythical roots. The name also reflects the moon’s clarity, capturing its magnificence.

Moonstone is affectionately known as “hecatolite,” an homage to Hecate, the Greek goddess associated with the Moon and fertility, symbolizing both death and rebirth. In Greek mythology, there are three Moon goddesses: Hecate, Artemis, and Selene, forming the “Lunar Triad.” Additionally, another mineral, selenite, bears Selene’s name due to its resemblance to the Moon’s milky glow.

The moonstone gem is a type of orthoclase found in the silicate group, specifically within the tectosilicates subgroup. Its texture, known as perthitic, is a result of the blend of two feldspar species: orthoclase and albite. As these species mix and solidify, the mineral exhibits distinct layered patterns. When light traverses these layers, creating a scattering effect in multiple directions, the moonstone displays an enchanting adularescence phenomenon attributed to orthoclase and albite.

Referred to as the Schiller effect, this adularescence effect results in a shimmering reflection that moves across the entire surface of the stone as the viewing angle changes. This optical play, known as “adularescence,” gives the stone a mirror-like quality that captures and reflects various hues and light. Labradorite, which shares a similar white hue, also exhibits this captivating characteristic.

Moonstone appears colorless, yet its natural reflections span from white to blue, occasionally exhibiting yellow or pink hues. These reflections are a result of the crystalline structure of the gemstone, offering a vitreous luster that unveils various colors under different lighting conditions. With a hardness rating between 6 and 6.5 on the Mohs scale and a density of approximately 2.5, moonstone is sourced from alkaline, plutonic, and metamorphic rocks, making this exquisite whitish gem increasingly scarce.

Quality assessment is based on factors such as variety, gemstone size, and carat weight; for instance, moonstone bracelets typically contain around 75 carats in bead form (equivalent to 15 grams), while pendants often include 30 to 45 carats in small cabochon shapes (equal to 6 to 9 grams).

Purchasing preferences vary according to color and price (in euros), which correlates closely with gemstone quality. Moonstone bracelets, for instance, are more affordable due to their multicolored appearance and quality grades A or B. Notably, a moonstone bracelet is a type of orthoclase, a constituent of the gemstone itself.

Bracelets with exquisite adularescence, attributed to orthoclase and albite, command higher prices, particularly post-bead polishing. Scarcer and more exclusive, the supply of this stone is dwindling, notably due to challenges in sourcing from India and Sri Lanka, major exporters alongside Brazil, Burma, Tanzania, the United States, and Australia.

Moonstone gems, known as moonstone (a term that has evolved to a more “Frenchified” version over time) or white labradorite for its similar adularescence to labradorite, creating a pearlescent effect mainly from albite, are highly sought after, especially in crystal healing contexts.

VIRTUES AND PROPERTIES OF MOONSTONE IN CRYSTAL HEALING
THE VIRTUES AND PROPERTIES OF MOONSTONE ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL PLANE

In the realm of crystal healing, moonstone’s psychological benefits evoke the purity of childhood. Symbolizing virtue and innocence, this gem exudes positive energy effortlessly. Moonstone is also associated with fostering joy within relationships. It harmonizes emotions on the mental and astral planes, aiding in reconciliation when worn as a ring, tumbled stone, or bracelets.

Moonstone enables morally-conscious individuals to shift their perspective on sexual activity as a central focus, freeing themselves to rediscover the joy of human sexual pleasure. This gemstone fosters sensitivity, creativity, and gentleness, aiding in restful sleep, enhancing intuitive dreams, and supporting decision-making processes with fairness and clarity.

Moonstone, as a Yin stone, fosters openness and dispels fear towards others. It is known to banish unnecessary fears, particularly those leading to animosity. This gem promotes tolerance, easing material inclinations in favor of receptivity. Moonstone also nurtures the feminine aspect in men, harmonizing any overly dominant masculine traits.

Symbolizing the feminine celestial force, it complements the sun’s masculine energy. Moonstone embodies qualities associated with femininity like gentleness, tenderness, and maternal instincts. Even the sternest individuals may find their demeanor softened by this ethereal gem. Like a guiding light in darkness, moonstone imparts security and solace. For those seeking to refine intuition and illuminate the mind during uncertainty, moonstone stands out as a natural choice in the realm of minerals.

THE VIRTUES AND PROPERTIES OF MOONSTONE ON THE PHYSICAL PLANE

Moonstone in crystal healing on the physical plane harmonizes hormonal secretions and menstrual cycles. This gem empowers women to address sterility concerns, aiding in maintaining lactation post-childbirth. From menopausal discomfort to menstrual cramps, moonstone offers an ideal solution for women of all ages.

By regulating hormones, it enhances women’s quality of life, reducing bloating and lower abdominal pains while promoting healthier skin, nails, and hair. Moonstone facilitates restful sleep by alleviating stress and anxiety, also aiding in preventing water retention issues and supporting kidney and bladder function.

In addition to playing an important role in balancing the hormonal system, moonstone has a regulatory action on the thyroid and blood circulation. Its healing virtues can be very useful for overcoming a convalescent period. Protective and comforting, it neutralizes pain and accelerates the healing process. Its gentle energy is suitable for women, men, children, and animals alike.

THE VIRTUES AND PROPERTIES OF MOONSTONE ON THE SPIRITUAL PLANE

On a spiritual level, moonstone glows under starlit skies, revealing lunar visions in dreams. Closely tied to the third eye chakra, it guides you towards spiritual enlightenment and enhances clairvoyance. Negative thoughts fade away, bringing tranquility while elevating your consciousness. Placing a moonstone on your forehead during meditation connects you with the cosmos, allowing effortless astral journeys. By opening the third eye chakra, moonstone enhances intuition, sensitivity, creativity, and inspiration. It also influences the sacral chakra, boosting emotional well-being and vitality when balanced.

The creative energy unlocked by this chakra empowers you to pursue endeavors without fear. Whether it’s a personal or professional project, your new ideas flourish when the sacral chakra is balanced. Moonstone, known for its moderating qualities, aids in embarking on ventures with a clear mind. It promotes forgiveness, tolerance, kindness, self-acceptance, and acceptance of others.

By influencing the third eye chakra and sacral chakra, moonstone guides you towards a more serene and laid-back lifestyle, reducing anxiety and fostering spontaneity. This inner peace and enhanced listening skills enhance the quality of your familial, social, and affectionate relationships. Its inherently feminine, gentle, and delicate nature makes moonstone versatile to wear as a tumbled stone pendant, polished cabochon ring, or a flat stone in your pocket. The myriad choices amplify the benefits, all of which are encapsulated in the jewelry adorned with this stone.

WHAT ARE THE STONES AND MATERIALS THAT PERFECTLY MATCH MOONSTONE?

When it comes to jewelry, moonstone complements silver, white gold, and gray gold beautifully, but most importantly, it pairs perfectly with desires. The soft and cool tones are ideal for accentuating the glassy and whitish hues of moonstone. While jewelry in yellow gold and rose gold offers more contrast, it equally unveils its enchanting charm and ignites desires in the wearers. Moonstone, discreet and elegant, exudes an energy that may not harmonize with all gemstones.

It’s generally advisable to avoid blending stones with opposing powers. However, with moonstone, you can harmoniously combine it with all spiritual stones like amethyst, labradorite, aquamarine, rose quartz, rock crystal, and kunzite. On the contrary, it’s best to refrain from pairing spiritual stones with highly energizing stones such as garnet, red jasper, amber, malachite, tiger’s eye, obsidian, black tourmaline, or turquoise. These invigorating stones should be worn individually, particularly Tiger’s eye in relation to moonstone, as they might absorb the energy of others and counteract the calming effects of spiritual stones.

In the realm of jewelry, consider the cabochon, ring, or pendant as prime examples that complement silver or gold exquisitely. Mounted on silver, the oval cabochon, in varying sizes, showcases the full spectrum of natural feldspar’s luster post-polishing. Cabochons sourced from India or Sri Lanka exhibit iridescence akin to mother-of-pearl.

Whether adorning bracelets, pendants, or necklaces, this gemstone eloquently captures the essence of superior product presentation, allowing your desires to guide you. Moonstone gems, when cut into oval shapes and polished, display the most enchanting adularescence, prompting jewelers to adorn their creations with these stones. It’s not uncommon to witness this mineral paired with amber, creating a striking contrast when the amber boasts a rich brown hue and is fashioned into bead shapes for bracelets.

HOW TO MAINTAIN AND PRESERVE MOONSTONE?

Moonstone, like all minerals, gradually loses its energy. To maintain its power and beauty, regular care is essential. Cleansing it from accumulated negative energies is simple – immerse it in unsalted distilled water for a few hours. Gently wipe it afterwards to prevent scratches.

When you sense a decrease in energy, recharge it under the full moonlight on a quartz cluster. A brief ritual during full moon nights can swiftly restore its full powers.

SYMBOLISM OF MOONSTONE

Moonstone is the stone of Aphrodite.

TRADITIONS OF MOONSTONE

Greece: Moonstone irresistibly developed passionate desire, fertility, and sensual pleasure.
Lily of the Valley Wedding Anniversary: 13 years of marriage.

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