| Moonstone is a gemstone that was very popular in | | | | sunstroke. |
| ancient Rome, and Romans thought it was actually | | | | Uncut moonstones reveal none of the shimmer of light, |
| formed by the rays of the moon. It is a sacred stone in | | | | the iridescence they are known for. It is the skill of the |
| India, and is the birthstone for June. It can range in color | | | | gem cutter that brings forth the iridescence by shaping |
| from blue, pink, green, peach, yellow, brown, gray or | | | | the stone with a domed top to enhance this quality. |
| colorless. No matter the color, moonstone is known for | | | | Due to the relative softness of the stone, care must |
| its iridescence, and can be transparent to translucent in | | | | be used when wearing it. The stone was very popular |
| clarity. This beautiful stone belongs to the large mineral | | | | in the Art Nouveau movement roughly one hundred |
| group known as feldspars. Two thirds of all minerals | | | | years ago. |
| on earth are types of feldspars, and moonstone is the | | | | Moonstone is a gem that varies widely in price. While |
| type known as adularia. | | | | there is no set standard, price is determined by many |
| The stone is found in various areas of the world, | | | | factors. The larger and more transparent the stone, |
| including Sri Lanka, Germany, India, Brazil, Tanzania, | | | | the more its value. The finest blue specimens have a |
| Myanmar, Madagascar, Mexico, and The United | | | | three dimensional depth of color that changes when |
| States. The best quality stones, almost transparent | | | | the stone is viewed from different angles. These blue |
| with a blue sheen, usually come from Sri Lanka. | | | | stones are extremely rare and very expensive. But |
| Moonstone was attributed many powers by the | | | | other colors of moonstones are much more |
| ancients. It was believed to bring good fortune, and | | | | affordable, and still display the shimmer of light, |
| protect women and children. Some believed that if the | | | | iridescence and magic that caused the ancient |
| stone was held in the mouth during a full moon, the | | | | Romans to think they were formed from moonlight |
| future could be predicted. Its curative properties | | | | itself. Used in jewelry of many types and price ranges, |
| included promotion of digestion, protection from | | | | moonstone can be owned and enjoyed by anyone. |
| epilepsy, curing of headaches, and protection against | | | | |