Moonstone: The Ethereal June Birthstone
Happy Birthday June Babies! June is unique in that it has three birthstones: pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone. Moonstone was added as a birthstone for June in the early 20th century, partly due to its popularity and mystical appeal. It provides June with a birthstone that is not only beautiful but also steeped in symbolism.
Moonstone earrings set in 14k white and rose gold with diamond accents.
By KM Jewelry Design
Characteristics of Moonstone
Characteristics: Moonstone's most striking feature is its adularescence (having or emitting a milky or bluish iridescence), which appears as a soft, floating light effect, reminiscent of moonlight. This optical phenomenon is most visible in stones that are a cabochon cut (with a smooth, rounded surface). Moonstone can range in color from colorless to white, gray, blue, peach, and even green. The most prized moonstones exhibit a clear body color and a strong blue adularescence.
The gemstone has a hardness of 6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, making it relatively soft and more susceptible to scratches and damage compared to harder gemstones like diamonds or sapphires. This softness necessitates careful handling and protective settings in jewelry.
Formation and Origins of Moonstone
Formation: Moonstone is a variety of feldspar, a group of minerals that make up about 60% of the Earth's crust. It forms in igneous rocks and is primarily composed of two feldspar minerals: orthoclase and albite. During the cooling of these minerals, they separate into stacked, alternating layers. When light falls between these thin layers, it scatters in many directions, creating the stone’s characteristic adularescence—a glowing, billowy light that seems to move within the stone.
Geographical Sources: High-quality moonstones are primarily found in Sri Lanka and India. Sri Lankan moonstones are famous for their transparency and strong blue sheen, while Indian moonstones often have a cloudier appearance with a more pronounced adularescence. Other notable sources include Madagascar, Myanmar, Brazil, and the United States.
Moonstone Symbolism
Birthstone Tradition: The concept of birthstones has ancient origins, dating back to the biblical era, when the Breastplate of Aaron was described with twelve gemstones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, these stones became associated with the twelve months of the year and the zodiac signs. The modern list of birthstones, as recognized today, was standardized in 1912 by the American National Retail Jewelers Association (now Jewelers of America).
Symbolism and Meaning: Moonstone is often associated with lunar deities and is believed to channel the moon's energy. It symbolizes new beginnings, inner growth, and strength. Many cultures also regard moonstone as a stone of protection, particularly for travelers. For those born in June, moonstone represents emotional balance and calmness, echoing the soothing light of the moon.
Moonstone's mesmerizing adularescence and rich cultural history make it a gemstone of exceptional beauty. Its formation through the intricate interplay of feldspar minerals results in a unique and captivating play of light that has fascinated humans for centuries. As one of the birthstones to commemorate June birthdays, moonstone is a gem that embodies the tranquil, luminescence of the moon.
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