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A Matter of Brilliance is a professional jewelry appraisal company based in Newton, MA, founded by Aimee Berrent, Graduate Gemologist. Our appraisals can be used to:
Celebrate Moonstone Magic with June’s Shimmery Birthstone
June has several birthstones—pearls, alexandrite, and moonstones. Since we’ve discussed pearls before, let’s focus on the moonstone. One description says it looks like a full moon shining through a veil of high clouds.
Why does moonstone shimmer?
Moonstone is a member of the feldspar group, which includes labradorite (with a multi-colored version sometimes known as “rainbow moonstone”), sunstone, and amazonite. Its layers let light flow through the gemstone, making it seem to glow. Professionals call this effect adularescence (similar to the effect of pearls and opals).
History and lore
- It’s been treasured for centuries; early Hindus claimed it was made from solidified moonbeams.
- Moonstone was very popular in the Art Nouveau era, and was a special favorite of designers Lalique and Tiffany. Its ethereal beauty also inspired fashion comebacks during the 60s and during the 1990s when it was popular among New Age practitioners and designers.
- Healing properties include enhancing intuition, new beginnings, and inner growth.
- It’s believed to inspire passion—two people could fall passionately in love if they saw each other during a full moon while one of them wore a moonstone.
Buying moonstone jewelry
- Color: Moonstone color is discussed as “body” and “adularescence” (sheen). The most preferred body color is very pale, almost colorless, with a pure blue sheen.
- Clarity: Moonstone that’s colorless with blue sheen is most valuable but moonstone is available in green, peach, brown, and gray with blue, silver, white or rainbow sheen.
- Cut: Most moonstone is cut in cabochons (smooth domed shape), which shows off its adularescence. However, faceted moonstone jewelry is becoming more popular.
- Carat: It’s available in a wide range of sizes; large, quality stones are rare, so they’re more expensive.
Caring for your moonstones
Moonstone has a Mohs hardness of 6–6.5, which means it’s not strong and could crack when exposed to high heat. Clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft brush rather than an ultrasonic cleaner.
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