Moonstone is a member of the Feldspar crystal family. This unique crystal group seems to have been growing over the last couple of hundred years. My oldest geology reference book (the first English copyright is dated 1904, could not find the original German copyright) recognizes six different Feldspars. One of the more recent references I found on the internet notes over 40 different varieties, many have only been identified in the last 150 years or less. I find this intriguing. It's one of the reasons I decided to write a new Moonstone article and begin researching Feldspars for a future article.

Moonstone is likely the most well known of the Feldspar family. Its luminous sheen has captured the eyes of humans for a few thousand years. This shimmering play of light across the surface of the gemstone is call the schiller effect or adularescence (after the Adularia Moonstone). It is caused when layers of Feldspar with differing refractive indexes grow into each other and become compressed under pressure.

In Moonstone, layers of Orthoclase and Albite Feldspar are woven together in such a way that the crystal structure interferes with light's attempt to penetrate the crystal. Thus creating the effect of light skimming along the surface. Clear to white Moonstones that flash blue are the most popular and rare of the crystals.

Not all Feldspars exhibit the schiller effect, but the most popular ones used in jewelry do; Moonstone, Labradorite, Sunstone and Amazonite.

Moonstone is the most colorful member of this family. Specimens can be clear to white with a blue flash, peach, pink and smoky colors that flash a silvery sheen

Chemically, Moonstone is composed of aluminum, silicate (Quartz) and potassium. It grows in pegmatites or is found in massive formations in igneous stones. Huge chunks the size of a man's fist and larger, are pulled from gooey deposits of kaolin (a clay like substance that is the weathered by-product of some Feldspars). The quality of Adularia or Rainbow Moonstone that comes from the Ceylonese deposits and mines is unrivaled.

Moonstone found in the Swiss Alps often occurs as thin barrel like crystals. They frequently form four separate crystals that grow into each other, creating very unique twins. Brazil, India, Madagascar, North America, Tanzania and Europe all have some gemstone quality Moonstone deposits.

India has held the Moonstone sacred since ancient times. It is considered an especially powerful tool for lovers. Wearing the crystals will arouse tender passions and make the heart receptive to receive romantic intentions. Lovers who placed a Moonstone under their tongues during a full Moon may see their future together. To reconcile after a bitter fight, the couple would each take a Moonstone, place it over their heart and empower it with their love. They would then exchange the gemstone with each other and their discord would dissolve.

Moonstones for sale in India are only displayed on a yellow cloth, a sacred color for a sacred gemstone.

The Moonstone Temple of Anuradhapura was built on Ceylon around 100 BC. According to legend, the steps of the temple were decorated with a mosaic of Moonstones. Ruins are the only thing left to see of the antique temple and its fabled steps.

Antoine Mizauld wrote in 1531 of a friend that owned a Moonstone whose refractive qualities would wane and wax in sync with the Moon. Borrowing the gemstone, Mizauld observed the crystal over the course of a month and noted that the appearance of the Moonstone did change as the Moon moved through her phases. Pope Leo X was also said to be in possession on a Moonstone that behaved in a similar fashion, but I could not find a reference linking the stones.

Romans believed the crystal was created by the Moon's light. It was frequently used in ceremonies to honor Diana, their Moon Goddess. Her image was said to be enclosed by the stone and whomever possessed it would would receive her blessings of love, wealth, wisdom and victory.

This connection to the lunar cycle and energies have given the Moonstone a reputation as a powerful intuitive tool. Many traditions and spells call for using the crystal for divination during either the full or void phase of Grandmother. This month while I was carrying my Moonstone the playoffs and Superbowl were happening. Normally I could care less about football games. Though I do enjoy watching young athletes play games. I knew that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would win their division and the following Sunday I knew they would win the Super Bowl. Grandmother's cycle was waning when both games were played. Or use these Lunar energies to regulate your sleeping cycles.

You can use your Moonstone as a wishing tool. While holding or meditating with your Moonstone visualize your wish, see your life as it can be when your wish is fulfilled. Be strong and sure of what your wish for, your intensity and passion are what will drive the crystal's power. The gemstone will absorb the energy of your intent to accomplish this wish and charge or empower the cycles around you to bring your wish to fruition.

Lovers may wish to exchange Moonstones. Test its powers to arouse passion, to promote tenderness and romance. Try the Indian tradition of placing the gems under your tongues during the full Moon and see what the future may hold for your love.

Use the reflective qualities of this gemstone to make dramatic changes in your life. During a meditation with the stone, the Moonstone becomes your mirror and see it reflecting back those habits or behaviors you'd like to change. Examine them in a critical light, recognize without mercy the real impact they have on your life and health. Then just as Grandmother Moon withers into the new or void Moon, see your unwanted habits wither away until they disappear. Just before or at new Moon bury your Moonstone or toss it away along the roadside, believing the unwanted aspects of your life are behind you.

Women wishing to become pregnant or during their pregnancy may want to adopt a Moonstone as a companion crystal. They are said to lighten the burden of your pregnancy and ease the pain and fear of labor. Some traditions encourage the use of the crystal to promote fertility and it may help relief menstrual pain. It should help your body's cycle become more balanced with nature's rhythms making the hormonal variations of a woman's chemistry less traumatic.

The crystal may be useful in alleviating allergic reactions to bee stings or insect bites. It was once thought to help eliminate toxins from the body.

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