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I
took over this e-zine when Gail, its originator was unable to continue it. With
Gail's permission, I have added her original Rock's of the Week so that everyone
can find the information readily. Please feel free to visit Gail's web site at http://www.davesrockshop.com. |
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Moonstone
June Birthstone
moonstone cabochons
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Scientific:
Moonstone can be two minerals: Orthoclase Feldspar (Potassium Aluminum Silicate) or sometimes Albite Plagioclase Feldspar (Sodium Aluminum Silicate). This stone can be confused with selenite gypsum (selenite is very soft and can be scratched with a fingernail while Moonstone is relatively hard).
Moonstone is potassium feldspar of the orthoclase (adularia) species with white shimmer, similar to moonshine (therefore the name) the so-called
adularescence. Moonstone's cat's eye is also known. Deposits are found in Sri Lanka, which is often referred to as the "National Stone of Sri Lanka", Burma (Myanmar), Brazil, India, Madagascar, and the U.S.
The other type is Albite moonstone, which is sodium rich. The two types of moonstones are very similar in appearance when cut in cabochon. In both cases, the composition is midway between that of the orthoclase and that of albite: albite moonstone can be defined as a microperthitic association of albite and orthoclase with a predominance of albite. These types of moonstone can be found mainly in Canada and Kenya, but also occurs in Sri Lanka and India.
Moonstone generally has an almost transparent background, which is practically colorless, pale gray, or tinged with yellow, with a whitish to silvery white or blue shimmer. Incipient cleavage cracks may be visible inside the stone.
Called Moonstone for it's resemblance to the silvery moon, it comes in iridescent white, peach, pink, gray and yellow. The Greeks believed the stone ruled by Venus
(Aphrodite/Selene), calling it Aphroselene after the Goddess Selene.
Chemical Composition: KAISi3O8
Hardness: 6 - 6.5 |
gray moonstone cabochons
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History:
The island of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) has, from time immemorial, produced the most desirable and enchanting specimens of moonstone. According to tradition, in the Moonstone Temple of
Anuradhapura, the steps of the altar are faced with mosaics of gleaming moonstones. The ruins of this temple, which was built about 100 B.C., still can be seen today. I did research this and found that the steps of the altar are made of a granite stone, and there are no mosaics of moonstone's left.
Moonstone was used in Roman jewelry about 100 A.D. In India moonstone is still a sacred gem; East Indian tradition holds that moonstone is a symbol of the Third eye and clarifies spiritual understanding.
Moonstone was very popular early in the 20th century and was extensively used in Art Nouveau jewelry.
The extraordinary Russian tiara of ribbons of turquoise and moonstone, wrapped around a diamond frame, given as a Christmas present to his wife by Ernst Louis, Grand Duke of
Hesse, in 1906, symbolizes eternity (diamonds), true love (turquoise) and innocence (moonstone). This tiara is on exhibit at the Victoria and Albert Museum. |
golden moonstone cabochons
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Lore:
Folk law suggests that moonstone was supposed to awaken tender passions if placed beneath the tongues of lovers at full moon. In addition, it was recommended that holding a moonstone in the mouth would refresh one's memory.
This stone has always been revered because of its lunar attraction. It was believed that the shiller in the stone would follow the cycles of the moon. (Becoming greatest when the moon was full.) In addition, it has always been considered a "feminine, or Goddess" stone.
In the Orient, moonstone was believed to be the solidified rays of the moon, and the glimmering light within was the light of the good spirit that lived in the stone. Occasionally, under magnification, a peculiar flaw appears: a long inclusion resembling a centipede.
In ancient Rome, moonstones were thought to change their look during the lunar phases. They also thought that a picture of Diana, the Goddess of the Moon, could be seen in every moonstone. In the middle ages, people thought you could look into a moonstone, fall into a deep sleep that would tell you of the future. |
carved moon faces on moonstone
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Traveler stones was a name of moonstones because of the protection that travelers received at night from the gemstone.
The Asians point out that when there is a moon there is no rain and so the name, moonstone, means "no tears." According to legend, a moonstone placed in the mouth while the moon is full gives lovers the power to read their futures together.
Superstition says it has the power to hypnotize the person who gazes at it as it moves back and forth.
Amulets of moonstone were hung in fruit trees to produce abundant crops. It was thought to protect against wandering of the mind, insanity and epilepsy. It was attributed to improving physical strength and reconciling lovers. If held in the mouth, a moonstone was supposed to help decide matters. |
various types of golden moonstone
beads
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The Florida State Gem: Moonstone
United States astronauts Neil Armstrong and "Buzz" Aldrin landed on the moon July 20, 1969, preparing for man's first personal inspection of the lunar surface. Since the Apollo 11 and all other manned space flights had blasted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Brevard County, it came as no coincidence that the State Legislature of Florida sought to memorialize America's unprecedented international, scientific and technological triumph.
Therefore, ten months later, May 20, 1970, Florida lawmakers passed and sent to the Governor a bill adopting the moonstone as the official State Gem.
Ironically, the moonstone is not found naturally in Florida... nor was it found on the moon. |
turn of the century carved moonstone cameo of the goddess Diana
http://www.jewelstories.com/
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Future Events Ritual:
Can be performed up to at least 3 days after a full moon. Hold a moonstone in your hands while visualizing a possible future course for action, such as selling a house or accepting a new job. Then place the moonstone beneath your tongue and continue visualizing. After a few minutes, remove the stone and end your conscious effort to retain the image. If it remains, or if your thoughts continue to revolve around the possible act, it is a favorable one. If your mind turns to other matters then it is better to take a different route.
Weight-loss Ritual:
Do not diet. Reprogram your eating habits. Eat lighter meals at regular intervals, avoid sugars and fats, get all the veggies and fruits you need, and wear a charged moonstone. Three nights after a full moon, stand nude in front of a mirror. Study your body closely, be honest, and be brutal. (To successfully perform this magic, you must know yourself, accept your faults, and then allow yourself to change.) Visualize yourself slimmer, in control of your food intake, and completely alive. Then, hold a moonstone in your projective hand while continuing to visualize the body and discipline you wish to have. Rub the moonstone over the problem areas of your body, visualizing them melting away. Finally, carry the stone with you at all times. When you feel the urge to eat cheesecake, take the stone in your receptive hand, breathe deeply for ten seconds, push the image of food from your mind, and then grab a juicy peach or crunchy carrot stick.
From: Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Crystal, Gem and Metal Magic
by Scott Cunningham. |
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Metaphysical:
Moonstone is associated with the moon and water. It is highly associated with all goddesses, but specifically moon goddesses.
Moonstone is a love stone, and is said to draw love to its wearer. It can help solve problems between lovers. If it is worn during sexual intercourse, it not only can make the woman very fertile, it is said to help impregnate her too.
Moonstone can help aid in sleeping disorders. Place a moonstone under your pillow at night, and it is said to help you sleep.
To dream of a moonstone is said to be a warning of impending danger.
Due to its affinity with water, moonstone is supposed to protect those at sea.
Moonstones are said to open a person's heart to nurturing qualities as well as to help one accept the experience of love. |
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