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Moonstone Information

See also Microcline and the Microcline feldspar variety Amazonite

Links To Moonstone Information Topics On This Page:
Moonstone Items in our VIRTUAL GALLERY
Moonstone Physical Properties
Moonstone Background Info
Moonstone Occurance and Diagnostic Features
Moonstone History and Uses
Moonstone Metaphysical Properties

MOONSTONE ITEMS IN OUR VIRTUAL GALLERY:
(Select any of these links to enter our Virtual Gallery)

• Moonstone Mineral Specimens
• Moonstone Gemstones
• Moonstone Spheres
• Moonstone Jewelry:
  (natural moonstone jewelry)
  • Moonstone Rings
  • Moonstone Pendants
  • Moonstone Earrings
    
  • Moonstone Necklaces
  • Moonstone Bracelets

MOONSTONE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

• Moonstone Chemical Composition: KAlSi₃O₈
• Class: tektosilicate
• Crystal system: monoclinic; 2/m
• Crystal habit: pseudo-orthorhombic prismatic crystals
• Twinning: twinned according to the Carlsbad twin law, and the baveno and manebach twin laws.
• Specific gravity: 2.56
• Index of refraction: 1.52
• Birefringence: weak maximum birefringence of 0.005
• Pleochroism: colorless in section
• Hardness: 6
• Color: colorless, usually with bluish sheen, although the sheen can be green, gold or multi-color (known as rainbow moonstone)
• Luster: vitreous
• Transparency: semi-translucent to semi-transparent
• Cleavage: perfect cleavage on {001}
• Fracture: conchoidal
• Streak: white

FELDSPAR BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Moonstone is a variety of orthoclase feldspar. In the earth's crust, feldspars are more abundant than all other minerals combined. The majority of the common feldspars fall into two groups, the alkali feldspars (KAlSi₃O₈ through NaAlSi₃O₈ series), and the plagioclase feldspars (NaAlSi₃O₈ through CaAl₂Si₂O₈ series). Orthoclase (KAlSi₃O₈) is the medium temperature pure potassium end member of the alkali feldspar group.

At high temperatures, the alkali feldspars form a continuous solid solution series, however at medium to low crystalization temperatures the sodium feldspar (albite) and potassium feldspar (microcline or orthoclase) separate forming lattice type exsolution intergrowths, usually as thin layers of albite roughly parallel to {100} in a host crystal of microcline or orthoclase. This is known as perthitic texture. Adularia is an unusual gem variety of the potassium feldspar orthoclase. It exhibits an iridescence named adularescence (popularly known as moonstone) which is clearly visible in our samples of moonstone jewelry. This iridescence is due to diffused light reflection from microscopic parallel intergrowths of albite within the orthoclase.

Index of moonstone information topics

OCCURRENCE AND DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES

Orthoclase commonly occurs in plutonic igneous rocks such as granites, granodiorites, and syenites that cooled at relatively fast rates and at moderate depth as compared to microcline which forms in more slowly cooled rocks.

Orthoclase is distinguished from the other feldspars by its right angle cleavage and the lack of twin striations on the best cleavage surface. In the field the indicators are its color, hardness, and cleavage. Moonstone is easily recognized by its play of colors.

Return to the Index of Moonstone Information Topics

MOONSTONE HISTORICAL INFORMATION AND USES

The name moonstone comes quite simply from the fact that it can resemble closely the white opaque look of our moon. Feldspar is derived from the German word feld which means field.

Moonstone is a sacred stone in India. It is believed to bring good fortune, and to give protection against the dangers of travel. It is thought to be especially powerful in arousing passion and desire.

Moonstone is used as an ornamental lapidary material.

The astrological sign of moonstone are cancer, Libra, and scorpio.
The astrological sign of amazonite is Virgo.
Amazonite is a alternate birthstone for the month of June.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Moonstone is said to enhance perception and to alleviate emotional tension while stimulating compusure and confidence, and to improve one's ability to handle difficult situations.

Moonstone is also said to help rejuvenate the body and to calm the mind, bringing a deep sense of happiness. It also is said to enhance fertility and to help with ease of pregnancy and childbirth.

For more in-depth metaphysical information, see our Metaphysical Books section.

This is the end of our Moonstone Factsheet and Information page.