What Does Moonstone Represent?

Have you ever found yourself completely captivated by the beauty of the moon? It is powerful and omnipresent, rising every night to light up the sky. It controls the ocean, pulling the tides in and out at its every whim. It is a beacon of hope, brilliance, and connection.

As our understanding of the space around us has evolved, the importance of the moon has never wavered. One would think the discovery of other planets and interest in space travel would cause people to change interests, but this is not the case. The lure and folklore of the moon have existed in cultures since the dawn of time, and it is not going away soon!

Perhaps this is why the moonstone is such a revered gem. Its milky appearance likens it to its namesake, the moon, and it has continued in popularity over the years for this association. It is impossible to separate moonstone from its representation of the moon.

But what else does the gem represent? There are so many deeper meanings of moonstone, whether personal or practical that are worth exploring. Come along with us as we delve into what keeps this remarkably stunning birthstone contemporary and life-changing.

Elements and Makeup

Even if you have never seen a piece of moonstone, you can probably imagine what it looks like from its name. Let’s discuss this stone from inside to out, starting with its general properties.

Properties of Moonstone

Moonstone is a type of Orthoclase. It is also in the feldspar group, and it is these layers of feldspar that create a dispersion of light to cause adularescence. It can be found in both gravel and pegmatites.

Fractures within it are mostly uneven. It is not sensitive to heat and has a refractive index between 1.518-1.525. Moonstone is fairly soft, sitting at a six on the Mohs scale of hardness.

Inclusions are typically unwanted in gemstones, but moonstone has its unique take on the issue. They often have centipede inclusions, which are cracks that line the inside of the stone in intriguing patterns. This helps to mitigate the loss of value that usually comes with similar inclusions.

Appearance and Orientations

Moonstone is known for its glassy luster and undeniable shimmer, just like the moon. This stone was a favorite of the Art Nouveau period, spreading from France around the globe.

This is what makes it beautifully iridescent. It can be opaque or see-through, with various colors, including blue, green, and even pink, based on how much iron it has.

White moonstone is favored because it most closely imitates the moon. The fluorescent luminescence and adularescence of the stone make it glow. It is frequently described as pearly.
Rainbow moonstone is any labradorite (which contains albite) that produces the Schiller effect with multi-colored lines.
Cat’s eye (chatoyancy) moonstone is incredibly rare and highly sought after because its effect looks like an animal opening and closing its eye.
Blue moonstone is only found in Sri Lanka and is exceedingly rare. Its blue sheen comes from thin layers of feldspar. It is marketed with the highest price and is usually less than 15 carats in weight. Cabochons are a more price-conscious type of moonstone.

Locations

The blue sheen moonstone that is most sought hails from Myanmar. Since the location no longer produces stones, it is harder to hunt down a piece from this region for a reasonable price. Sri Lankan moonstone is transparent and shimmers in a gorgeous blue hue.

Moonstone has also been mined in Madagascar, Australia, India, Brazil, and even the U.S. and Mexico. Virginia is the biggest U.S. source of the gem.

Metaphysical Properties

The true magic of moonstone is found in its meanings. It is so much more than just a simple gem, and for some people, it represents a pathway to a higher power or even the opening of a third eye.

Moon Phases

Moonstone is named after Pliny, a Roman who thought the stone had patterns of shimmer depending on the phase of the moon. To believers, the moon's phases dictate an empire of astrological offerings, from readings to crystal charging. Some people even set out cups of water to charge when the moon is full for rejuvenation and energy; they call this moon water.

New moons represent new beginnings and second chances. A full moon, while bright just like moonstone, has been a symbol of fertility. Moonstone, therefore, represents feminine energy and the divine feminine. This makes it a lovely gift for the women in your life, especially expecting mothers.

This clairvoyant stone tends to be associated with the crown chakra. Those who wear moonstone jewelry are said to find themselves more intune with their healing powers and psychic ability.

Additionally, moonstone is one of the June birthstones. This feeds into its association with astrology by furthering it into zodiac territory. People who read their zodiac sign, especially if they are Scorpios or Libras, might find a gift of moonstone to be incredibly thoughtful.

Healing Properties

Some people believe that moonstone can work as a sort of talisman, protecting its wearer from harm and bringing about good fortune.

Since it represents love, some may find themselves to be luckier in their relationships after wearing a moonstone ring. Others might choose to give a partner a piece of moonstone to celebrate their relationship.

How To Charge a Moonstone

Moonstone is a form of crystal mineral, which makes it great for charging. Just like any other rock, it can be charged as a healing crystal by being placed under direct moonlight. If you’re familiar with the moon water technique, it is essentially the same idea and works to expel negative energy.

If you want to charge your moonstone, try picturing it coated in the light of the moon. It is best to do this ritual either during the new or full moon. Smudging is a great way to solidify the charge of a moonstone crystal, and you can use any type of smudge that you prefer. Sage is a common example.

Once charged, place the moonstone where you want to heal. This could mean wearing it as a necklace to protect your heart chakra.

Feng Shui and Moonstones: Relationship

Moonstone has a yin energy which allows us to delve deeper on our inner thoughts and feelings. If you’re into feng shui, consider placing a moonstone under your mattress so it aligns with your heart, or anywhere in your bedroom to recalibrate your relationships. If you are unhealthy or stressed, try putting a moonstone in your living room or bathroom to calm down.

The great thing about moonstone is that it is used in jewelry, so it can be fitted into everyday objects (like rings) to carry around with you.

Maria Collection

At Mark Henry Jewelry, we love to incorporate exotic or fine gemstones into our work. Without gems like moonstone, we wouldn’t be able to boast such a wide variety of jewelry. Our Maria Collection is the perfect example of this.

With prime, blue sheen pieces, we have created designs that incorporate the stunning mystique of the moon. From rings, to pendants, to bracelets, and even earrings, our collection has it all. We utilize bees, snowflakes, sun, and even moon iconography to complete our pieces and tie them into larger themes.

Care for Your Shine

If you do purchase a piece of moonstone, it is important to clean it frequently. Since it is quite low on the Mohs scale, be sure to not knick any rings or bracelets during the day. Soft brushes and mild cleansers with water can get rid of most markings and debris. Most gentle soaps are good enough for a simple wash.

Be aware of cleaving when it comes to moonstone. We mentioned those centipede fissures earlier, but you should know the difference between naturally occurring inclusions and a crack or scrape from wear. High temperatures can be quite dangerous for moonstone, and speed up this breaking process.

Look for Imitations

Since moonstone is such a unique looking stone, and blue sheen pieces are hard to get your hands on, it is often imitated. You can find fake moonstone in many pieces of costume jewelry. Even rainbow moonstone, while beautiful, is not technically natural moonstone.

Opalite is a common imitator of moonstone. It is a type of glass, and while its shine can be comparable in some angles, it does not compare to the value of the real thing. Once you have a taste, nothing can compare to the glistening of the natural stone.