About
Moonstone belongs to the feldspar group of minerals and is unique among
gemstones for the inclusions of different minerals that create an
iridescent shimmer known as adularescence. The inclusions are
essentially different layers of mineral that form an ideal labyrinth for
the reflection of the light spectrum. People in ancient India and
other parts of Asia believed moonstones to be rays of solidified
moonlight, and likened the shimmering blues and purples to a good spirit
residing in the stone. For this reason, moonstone is still considered
sacred in many parts of India. Moonstone is the birthstone for the
month of June, and is given on the occasion of 13th anniversaries.
Many consider the moonstone to be the true "lover"s stone."� The
ancient Greeks called moonstone Aphroselene, combining the names of
Aphrodite, the goddess of love, with Selene, the goddess of the moon.
The ancient Greeks weren"t the only ones to associate the moonstone with
love, fertility, and fidelity: this particularly captivating gemstone
has often been worn in diverse cultures with the belief that it has the
power to enchant a faithful lover. Perhaps it is the subtle shimmer of
the moonstone that has encouraged its association with the ethereal
qualities of emotion, the subconscious, and love. Some believe the
moonstone has the ability to help us be more intuitive and understanding
creatures.
Whatever mystical properties moonstone might have, its airy, gossamer beauty is sure to entrance for many generations.
