Moonstone belongs to the feldspar family, its chemical formula is KAlSi3O8. It is a mineral variety of orthoses belonging to the silicate group. The moonstone also bears the scientific name of hecatatolite, or adularia when it comes in the form of crystals.
The reflections of the moonstone vary from bluish to silvery. This aspect is very similar to the lunar reflections, hence the name of the gem. The moonstone belongs to the monoclinic crystal system, its break is irregular to conchoidal, its luster is glassy and its line is white. Moonstone is quite sensitive to shock, with a hardness of around 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale.
The most notable moonstone deposits are found in the United States, Mexico, Austria, Norway, Armenia, Poland, Myanmar, India, Sri Lanka and Australia.
History of the Moonstone
First of all, it is important to know that moonstone is a trade name. We owe the scientific names of the moonstone varieties such as the name ortosio to René-Just Hauÿ, who in 1801 was inspired by the Greek word orthos meaning "straight", referring to the stone's right-angled neckline. As for the term adularia, it derives from Mount Adule in the Swiss Alps, which is said to be the place where this mineral variety was discovered.
Some ancient traces show descriptions and characteristics of stones that could correspond to the moonstones we know today. The ancients are also said to have given the name of moonstone to stones that have nothing to do with hectarolites. Furthermore, this surname of hecatatolite would be inspired by the name of the goddess Hecate, one of the 3 Greek moon goddesses next to Selene and Artemis.
One thing is certain, the moon star was very important in antiquity. Consequently, in many eras and civilizations, the stones that bore the name of the moon have been attributed with great magical powers. For the ancients it was a feminine and divinatory stone, a fertility stone with strange powers able to indicate the phases of the moon by changing the color of the stone.
Today, the moonstone is an ornamental gem often cut into cabochons or small pieces to decorate ornaments and jewelry.
Virtue of the Moonstone
Lithotherapy confers great virtues on the moonstone at all levels. The healing benefits of moonstone appear to be effective against various types of pain. As a regulating and protective stone, the moonstone regulates hormonal disturbances due to menopause and menstruation.
As a fertility stone, it promotes female fertility and protects pregnant women until delivery and beyond, while also promoting breastfeeding. The moonstone would also be indicated for skin and digestive problems.
On a psychic and emotional level, the moonstone dispels fears and anxieties. Its feminine dimension, of course, fosters the famous intuition of women and predisposes to positive feelings of compassion, empathy, tolerance and tenderness towards others. The moonstone is also a temperance stone, which brings balance and harmony. By stimulating creativity, open-mindedness and premonitory dreams, it promotes meditation and spiritual elevation.
Generally associated with all chakras, the moonstone appears to favor the sacred chakra. It would help stimulate the circulation of energies and body fluids. The astrological signs of predilection for the moonstone are the signs of Cancer, Aquarius, Capricorn and Pisces.
Moonstone purification must be done regularly and carefully avoiding chemicals and ultrasounds that can seriously damage this delicate stone. The moonstone is cleaned with running or distilled water. Who better than the moon to recharge the moonstone?