Moonstone owes its name to the white, almost magical shimmer that resembles moonshine. Blue-whitish light glides over the surface when the stone is cut en cabochon. Gemologists call this phenomena adularescence, which originates from the interior structure of the gemstone in scales or lamellas. Incoming rays of light are refracted inside the stone and scattered, creating a unique play of light, which makes Moonstone so special and coveted.
Moonstone is the most well known potassium feldspar of the orthoclase species. A combination of orthoclase and albite arranged in layers cause the lovely sheen. Star moonstone is another excellent variety of moonstone. It comes in honey-colored, peach and green and exhibits a stunning cat's eye or four-rayed star effect together with its mystical sheen and glow. Star moonstones are rare but still sold at affordable prices.
Moonstone is fairly soft, 6-6.5 on the Mohs scale, and is sensitive to pressure. It qualifies for lovely pendants or brooches only. In Arab countries women reportedly sew moonstone into their garments because it's considered a symbol of fertility.
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