{"id":21062,"date":"2023-06-19T03:00:03","date_gmt":"2023-06-19T10:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rockngem.com\/?p=21062"},"modified":"2023-06-21T07:15:01","modified_gmt":"2023-06-21T14:15:01","slug":"what-is-moonstone","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rockngem.com\/what-is-moonstone\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Moonstone?"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is moonstone? Moonstone is one of three birthstones by month<\/a> associated with June, along with pearl<\/a> and alexandrite. It was adopted as the state gem of Florida in 1970 in commemoration of the moon landing and the history-making steps made by Neil Armstrong. Moonstone has been surrounded by myth throughout time.<\/p>\n

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Pin this post to save this information for later.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Greek, Roman, Hindu, and Asian mythology glorified moonstones and often linked it with various moon gods and goddesses. Many ancient cultures believed the stone to be made from moonbeams or formed from moonlight, giving the stone its stunning luster. It\u2019s a popular wedding gift, considered a lucky talisman, and thought to bring the wearer wisdom and the gift of clairvoyance. The moonstone may or may not be magical, but it\u2019s definitely memorable.<\/p>\n

What Makes Moonstones Shine<\/h2>\n

Despite certain misconceptions, moonstones don\u2019t glow under the light of the full moon or glow at night like the moon. These stones shine much better under bright light and put off a luminescent glow reminiscent of the moon.<\/p>\n

The play of light on moonstones<\/a> appears mystical, but the scientific term is adularescence. It\u2019s an optical phenomenon caused by the light shimmering below the stone\u2019s surface and in between its microscopic layers of feldspar.<\/p>\n

Moonstones are usually cut into a smooth, rounded cabochon to maximize their shimmering effect.<\/p>\n

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Moonstone pendants should be kept in a box or pouch separate from other pieces of jewelry to prevent scratching or breaking the piece.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cMoonstone doesn\u2019t glow under the moonlight and for sure, doesn\u2019t glow at night,\u201d confirmed John Chocholacek. \u201cMoonstone was named so because of the incredible blue sheen on the mineral\u2019s surface, which resembles enigmatic moonlight. Moonstone effect is better observed under the sun or another strong light source.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chocholacek\u2019s fascination with stones began when he was just a little boy, growing up in Slovakia in Central Europe. He liked taking them home then and not much has changed now that he\u2019s an adult. Chocholacek has been rockhounding in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Iran, and all around the U.S.<\/p>\n

He likes to share his vast experience and knowledge with rockhounds through his website HowToFindRocks.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While Chocholacek has become an expert in his own right, he gets help with some scientific aspects of rocks from Olena Rybnikova (www.linkedin.com\/in\/olena-rybnikova-a6a0501aa<\/a>). Rybnikova is a gemologist with a Master of Science degree in Mineralogy, Geochemistry, and Petrography from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine. She\u2019s currently working on her Ph.D. in Europe and writing her dissertation on beryllium minerals. Rybnikova is an Applied Jewelry Professional certified by the Gemological Institute of America and actively popularizes gemstones and gemology.<\/p>\n

\u201cMoonstone is a varietal name of any mineral from the feldspar group that shows adularescence, or optical phenomenon where the light appears to billow across a stone,\u201d explained Chocholacek. \u201cUsually, moonstone is represented by orthoclase and albite, intermingled during formation. These fine alternating layers of minerals scatter light rays in many directions, producing the highly praised adularescent phenomenon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Besides the common adularescence, Chocholacek said some unique moonstone species might show additional optical effects. These can include chatoyancy (cat\u2019s eye effect) and four-rayed asterism (star-shaped concentration of reflected\/refracted light from a gemstone).<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s quite extraordinary when one type of gemstone displays two different optical phenomena at once,\u201d he said. \u201cStars are mostly common for rubies and sapphires. In the case of moonstone, it looks really captivating when a well-defined four-rayed star floats above the gentle body color of the gem. These stones usually originate from Sri Lanka.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Random stones collected from Moonstone Beach in Cambria, California. The stones in the rear are white agate, often mistaken for moonstones.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Some Moonstones Aren’t True Moonstones<\/h2>\n

Although you may see numerous moonstone sites reported, sites verified as valid locations for authentic moonstones aren\u2019t as plentiful in the U.S. Some stones touted as moonstones aren\u2019t truly moonstones but are similar stones typically confused with moonstones.<\/p>\n

For example, the \u201cmoonstones\u201d found on Moonstone Beach in Cambria, California, aren\u2019t authentic. Although these moonstones are quite lovely and have similar properties, they\u2019re not moonstones by chemical definition. These stones contain sodium instead of potassium.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey aren\u2019t truly moonstones,\u201d Chocholacek said. \u201cThey are white-colored chalcedony, a variety of microcrystalline quartz. Also, it\u2019s challenging for moonstone, which is an optical phenomenal variety of feldspar, to withstand sea abrasion. Feldspar (6 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale) is softer than quartz (7 on the Mohs scale) and has perfect cleavage in two directions. It rarely forms on beaches. Real moonstones have a blue sheen on the surface, while other stones lack this phenomenon.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kind of like the difference between gold and pyrites, faux moonstones are cheaper versions of natural moonstones. They\u2019re probably not real if you find moonstones at an incredibly low price. Some fakes aren\u2019t intentional, just natural stones with similar properties mistaken for moonstones like those found on Moonstone Beach. However, some fakes are man-made and may be fraudulently passed off as being the real thing.<\/p>\n

Because there are many ways to fake moonstones, be extra cautious if you\u2019re buying them online. One way to test whether you\u2019ve found a genuine moonstone is to place it under a bright light and view it from above. If you notice a bluish or whitish glow, it\u2019s likely the real deal.<\/p>\n

Authentic moonstones aren\u2019t perfect and their natural imperfections separate them from fakes. Genuine moonstones have fractures and barely discernable layers in the mineral structure but won\u2019t have round air bubble inclusions. Fake moonstones look too perfect without any fractures or layers.<\/p>\n

They also may display round air bubble inclusions when made of opalite, a type of man-made glass.<\/p>\n

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A rainbow moonstone.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Where to Hunt for Authentic Moonstones<\/h2>\n

A majority of the most valuable moonstones come from Sri Lanka. Others come from Myanmar, Madagascar, Brazil, Australia, and India. These stones are nearly transparent and have a blue shimmer. However, moonstones may be semi-transparent to opaque and found in a small spectrum of colors, including white, yellow, blue, green, brown, grey, and nearly black hues. There\u2019s also a special and particularly stunning variety called rainbow moonstone that produces several colors simultaneously.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe rarest and most impressive type of moonstone is the rainbow moonstone. It differs from common moonstones because of its multicolored adularescence, visible on the surface. These stones come from a slightly different mineral \u2013 labradorite. Top-quality rainbow moonstones come from Canada, Madagascar, and Zambia,\u201d said Chocholacek.<\/p>\n

Rockhounds in the United States that want to find moonstones have several potential hunting spots. While beaches are generally a bust, head to the mountains and you may have better luck. You can find authentic moonstones in various places around the U.S. and several other countries for all the globe-trotting rockhounds.<\/p>\n

\u201cMoonstone as a phenomenal variety of feldspar is quite rare but at the same time, feldspars are the most widespread minerals in the earth\u2019s crust, as well as some of the most diverse,\u201d he said. \u201cThey\u2019re commonly found in igneous rocks, so it\u2019s better to search for moonstone in previously magmatic active regions but not in dry sedimentary rocks. However, don\u2019t forget about secondary alluvial deposits like in Sri Lanka, where moonstones occur in sediments and gravels along with numerous other gemstones.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some popular moonstone hunting spots in the U.S. that he suggests include Rabb Canyon Moonstone Pegmatites Gemstone Mine near San Lorenzo, New Mexico; Harris Pegmatite Mine in Hewlett, Virginia; Balsam Mine in Yancey County, North Carolina; and Buford, Forsyth County in Georgia.<\/p>\n

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Moonstone rings must be worn with care because bumping the stone or time spent cleaning with harsh chemicals may destroy it.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Moonstones Are Fragile<\/h2>\n

When searching for moonstones, remember they\u2019re relatively soft, scratch easily, and may not hold up even to lighter taps.<\/p>\n

Chocholacek said when searching for moonstones, you should use a small chisel instead of big hammers to avoid damaging the stones. Prized for its aesthetic beauty, one of the most popular uses for moonstones is setting them in various pieces of jewelry. Because of the softness of the stone, you must also handle, store and clean moonstone jewelry carefully to ensure you don\u2019t ruin a nice piece.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn addition to its softness, moonstone cleaves easily. It has two cleavage directions, which means there\u2019s very little stress needed to shatter the stone. For this reason, manufacturers usually set moonstone in earrings, pendants, and pins, rather than in rings that are more likely to receive bumps,\u201d said Chocholacek.<\/p>\n

Intense heat and sudden temperature changes also can cause a moonstone to fracture and break. It\u2019s sensitive to harsh chemicals. If you do have a ring featuring a moonstone, remove it before doing housework. Only clean moonstone jewelry with warm soapy water and never place it in steam or ultrasonic cleaners. When storing moonstone jewelry, ensure it\u2019s kept in a cool place and in a pouch or box separate from other pieces of jewelry to prevent scratching or breaking.<\/p>\n

Chocholacek fondly remembers his first experience with Moonstone. It was during a geology course field trip while he was completing his university studies.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a huge open-pit mine for labradorite,\u201d he said. \u201cLabradorite, sometimes called rainbow moonstone, is really beautiful. It was raining in the morning that day, so our group entered the still-wet area of labradorite mining and slab production. It was a miracle. Water strengthened the play of color and optical effect on the surface of stones. It looked like Aurora light but from all the rocks around. Unbelievable!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n

National & International Valid Moonstone Sites <\/span><\/h2>\n

(Per the Hudson Institute of Mineralogy)<\/span><\/p>\n

United States<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Alabama: Coosa County<\/span><\/p>\n

California: Inyo County<\/span><\/p>\n

Colorado: Gunnison and Mineral counties<\/span><\/p>\n

Connecticut: Fairfield County<\/span><\/p>\n

Georgia: Forsyth and Troup counties<\/span><\/p>\n

Indiana: Marion County<\/span><\/p>\n

Nebraska: Holt County<\/span><\/p>\n

New Mexico: Grant, Sandoval, and Sierra counties<\/span><\/p>\n

New York State and North Carolina: Alexander, Buncombe, Cleveland, Macon, Mitchell, Swain and Yancey counties<\/span><\/p>\n

Pennsylvania: Delaware County<\/span><\/p>\n

Rhode Island: Washington County<\/span><\/p>\n

Tennessee: Sevier County<\/span><\/p>\n

Virginia: Amelia, Bedford, and Hanover counties<\/span><\/p>\n

Wisconsin: Marathon County<\/span><\/p>\n

International<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Australia: Northern Territory and Queensland<\/span><\/p>\n

Austria: Lower Austria, Styria, Tyrol, Upper Austria<\/span><\/p>\n

South America: Brazil <\/span><\/p>\n

China: Xinjiang<\/span><\/p>\n

Finland: Lapland <\/span><\/p>\n

India: Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu<\/span><\/p>\n

Japan: Toyama Prefecture<\/span><\/p>\n

Mexico: Chihuahua <\/span><\/p>\n

Myanmar: Mandalay Region<\/span><\/p>\n

Norway: Agder and Vestfold og Telemark<\/span><\/p>\n

Poland: Lower Silesian Voivodeship<\/span><\/p>\n

Sri Lanka: North Western Province, Sabaragamuwa Province, and Southern Province<\/span><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

This story about what is moonstone previously appeared in Rock & Gem magazine. Click here to subscribe.<\/a><\/em> Story by Moira McGhee.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What is moonstone? Moonstone is one of three birthstones by month associated with June, along with pearl and alexandrite. It was adopted as the state gem of Florida in 1970 in commemoration of the moon landing and the history-making steps made by Neil Armstrong. Moonstone has been surrounded by myth throughout time. Greek, Roman, Hindu, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2974217,"featured_media":21065,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2066,2076,1854,186],"tags":[683,1363],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rockngem.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21062"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rockngem.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rockngem.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rockngem.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2974217"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rockngem.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21062"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.rockngem.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21062\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21131,"href":"https:\/\/www.rockngem.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21062\/revisions\/21131"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rockngem.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/21065"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rockngem.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21062"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rockngem.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=21062"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rockngem.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21062"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}