Moonstone is a potassium feldspar, a rock-forming mineral of a beautiful, moon-like appearance. It's part of many myths and legends and is one of the more mystic stones.

The Physical Properties of Moonstone

Moonstone comes in a variety of colors, but the trait that gives it its special moonshine white shimmer is adularescence. The light interference in Moonstone is from thin, alternating layers of albite and orthoclase. Moonstone can be white, colorless, green, brownish or reddish, as well as adularescent with a bluish or silvery sheen.

On the Mohs hardness scale, moonstone scores a 6 to 6.5, and it is always cut with a plane surface or en cabochon. It doesn't work well with facets, because a convex, polished and curved surface displays moonstone's sheen best. Moonstone is usually worn as beads. It has a vitreous luster, and it's translucent or transparent. Moonstone also exhibits chatoyancy, with the reflection of light moving across its surface as a line.

The History of Moonstone

Moonstone got its name because of its moonlight-like sheen. It is in gravels and pegmatites all around the world, but the most significant gem localities are in Myanmar and Sri Lanka. It was much loved by the ancient peoples, from Greeks and Romans to Hindus and ancient Asians.

The Lore of Moonstone

Moonstone has interesting, rich lore. It's the sacred stone of India, believed to have been embedded in the forehead of the four-handed Hindu god Ganesh. When the fight between Vishnu and Bali was over, the parts of Bali's broken body that fell on Earth turned into different jewels. Chandrakanta, or moonstone, came to being from the sparkle of his eyes.

Ancient Greeks called it Aphroselene, to honor their goddesses of love and moon, Aphrodite, and Selene. It was believed that Moonstone was an aphrodisiac, and if two people wore it, they would fall in love the next time moon was high in the sky. Ancient Asians used it as a talisman, a sort of a good luck charm provided by the live spirit inside the gem.

The Metaphysical Properties of Moonstone

Owing to its connection with the moon, when it comes to physical healing capabilities moonstone encourages the body to tune into the rhythms of natural biological forces. It can have a powerful positive impact on the female reproductive system, fertility, and ease of childbirth and pregnancy. Moonstone encourages the function of the digestive and elimination system, reducing any disorders. It's sometimes used as a growth stone and is believed to slow down the degeneration of the body, as well as cure any degenerative conditions of the eyes, skin, and hair.

As for its emotional healing energy, moonstone is best known as a soothing stone with a focus on balancing and healing. It drives away nightmares and insomnia, helps stimulate the right side of the brain, and enhances kundalini energy. Moonstone is also connected to the Crown chakra, but it can help cleanse all the chakras and balance out our spirituality.

This beautiful, mystical stone will serve you well if you require balance and insight in your life, and it's a staple in every crystal enthusiast's collection.