Moonstone
Carbochon-cut moonstone.
| Category |
| Feldspar |
| Crystal Form |
| Prismatic |
| Moh's Scale Hardness |
| 6.0–6.5 |
| Specific Gravity |
| 2.56–2.59 |
| Refractive Index |
| 1.518–1.526 |
| Sources |
| Austrlia, Brasil, India, Madagascar, Myanmar, russia, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, United States (Virginia and pennsylvania). |
Moonstone is usually associated with the moon due to its shimmering milky appearance. The name "moonstone" is derived from the Greek name "Selenite", meaning goddess of the moon. Moonston is also known as "adularia" which derived its name from Adula, the location where moonstone is found in Italy/Swiss Alps.
The Romans believed that it was formed from drops of moonlight. As such it is attributed with those properties. Traditionally associated with good luck andromance, it was very often offered as a gift between lovers. Many cultures have believed the moonstone to be a calming, healing stone. It has sometimes been said to allow a glimpse of the future. Some have said that it assists in achieving lucid dreams.
Inclusions
Insect-like inclusions are common in moonstone but actually they are the parallel cracks caused by internal strain or pressure.