Moonstones possess a delicate beauty, a luminous glow and a soft shimmer of pale blue that is as enchanting as the moon. It was believed that the moonstone could be recognized in the waxing and waning of the phases of the moon and that is the reason for its name. Another synonym for moonstone is 'selenite', from the Greek 'selene' which means 'moon'.

Moonstones belong to the feldspar group. It belongs to the variety of feldspar known as 'adularia'. The shimmer and light of the stone, as scientifically explained, is due to the light rays that get refracted and scattered, which results in the effect of light that is so distinctive.

This gemstone is surrounded by a fair deal of mystique and magic. It has been revered for centuries in India as a stone that provides emotional harmony and wellbeing.

As gemstone in jewelry, moonstones need to be cut in a specific way to be able to get the desired effect of light. The more intense in color, the higher is the value of the Moonstone. Most commonly the gem is whitish in color. There are other colorful varieties of the stone like blue, pink and yellow.

Sri Lanka is the origin of moonstones. However, they are also found in the USA, Brazil, Australia, Myanmar and Madagascar.

Moonstone Trivia

• These gems were seen in the jewelry worn by the Romans in AD 100
   
• Oriental adornments belonging to the period before AD 100 had moonstones in them.
   
• Famous jewelry houses like Cartier's and Tiffany's used moonstone in their creations.
   
• Moonstone is the official gem of the state of Florida, USA.
   
• Moonstones are available with the colors of the rainbow, reflected in them.