Moonstones have been worn by mankind for thousands of years. The gemstone was associated with great goddesses of Ancient Greece and Rome, Diana, Selene and Artemis. Its old Greek name was the combination of the names of Aphrodite and Selene, 'Aphroselene'.
Moonstone has been used in Roman jewelry for nearly two thousand years, even longer in the Orient. It has always been a sacred stone in India with a special significance for lovers, and is a traditional wedding gift there. It was a popular choice for jewelers in the Art Nouveau period, and in Europe was believed to reconcile estranged lovers and to cure sleeplessness. Moonstone is known as the Traveller’s Stone for the protection it affords, especially at night, and because of its uplifting quality of hope, has long been worn as a talisman to enhance the personality.
In India, it was considered a holy gemstone, only displayed on a scared yellow cloth, and came into existence during a fight between Lord Vishnu and the demon God, Bali. In Sanskrit, the language of ancient India, it was called Chandrakanta, meaning 'beloved of the moon'.
The traditional source of ancient Moonstones was the island of Sri Lanka off the southern coast of India. A more recent source of Moonstone has been Switzerland where some fine examples were mined in the area around Mt Adular. Adularia became a common name at the time for Moonstones from Switzerland and gave rise to the term 'Adularescence' for their pearly or iridescent appearance.
Unlike most gemstones it is not entirely the colour of a moonstone that determines the value of a Moonstone.
Moonstones are valued on the glowing sheen that seems to float on their surface. A clear, colorless body allows this effect to be displayed at its best. Moonstones come in white, gray, pink, yellow, orange, brown and red colours, each with their own natural beauty but it is the gloss or shimmer that appears to be almost liquid on the surface that creates value.
Rainbow Moonstone is a variety of Labradorite which has a shimmering or iridescent quality so similar to Moonstone that they are considered to be the same gemstone. A rare, but popular, variety of Moonstone, is the Cat's Eye or Star Moonstones where inclusions within the gemstone reflect a thin band of light resembling the eye of a cat or, less commonly, a star of 4 or 6 or even more rays. This optical phenomenon on top of the moon-like glow makes a fascinating gemstone.
Technically, Moonstones can be described as translucent to transparent and the more transparent they are the more valuable they become. Inclusions can interfere with the effect of the gemstone's adularescence so the fewer the better. A characteristic Moonstone inclusion is called the centipede as it resembles one of the many legged creatures.
Moonstones are nearly always cut into oval- and circle-shaped smooth domes or cabochons as it best shows off the shimmering glow. The adularescence is usually stronger in one direction so the cutter needs to examine the gemstone carefully to determine which way to cut and polish the Moonstone.
Legendary as the Traveller’s Stone, Moonstone is especially protective of those who travel by night or upon the water when the moon is shining.
Moonstone opens the heart to nurturing qualities as well as assisting in the acceptance of love. It is an excellent crystal for first or new love, and is a comforting talisman if love must be kept a secret. It was also believed to be able to reunite loved ones who had parted in anger. Lovers often exchanged moonstones, especially after quarrelling, to help restore love and tranquillity.
Moonstone is also the stone of love and eroticism, stimulating the kundalini energy and carnal desires. It is the ultimate fertility crystal. A Moonstone necklace worn during lovemaking at full moon harmonizes the body into the natural lunar cycle. Or, for fidelity or fertility, make a grid of thirteen Moonstone crystals with a circle of the twelve months around a bedroom, and one centered under the bed.
Moonstone has long been known for its calming, soothing qualities on the emotional body. Its energy is balancing and healing. Moonstone bestows a depth of feeling, a gentleness within the self that brings happiness to the environment in which it resides. Associated with the feminine, it enhances the intuitive side of the mind. To women, Moonstone reveals their feminine power and abilities of clairvoyance, and gives rise to the kundalini energy. Moonstone helps men become more in-tune with the feminine aspects of their nature, and stimulates the right side of the brain, encouraging nonlinear thinking and emotional balance.
Moonstone gemstones should be stored inside a fabric-lined box or wrapped in a soft cloth. It is rated about 6 – 6.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, so they should be kept away from other gemstones and jewelry to ensure they do not get scratched by any harder gemstones or damage any that may be softer.
To clean, just wash in warm soapy water using a soft brush, rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth, we do not recommend ultrasonic cleaners or steamers. It is a good idea to remove any jewelry before doing any physical activity such as sports, housework or gardening.
Moonstone is one of my favourite gemstones to design with for its delicate, feminine hue which complements beautifully the collars and other jewellery I design and create in my home studio. Moonstone complements sterling silver perfectly, and is very versatile as it can be worn with any outfit day or night. And looks beautiful on the naked skin...
Feel free to ask me for a particular design customised with Moonstone ~ I will do my best to accommodate or come with suggestions to suit your preferences.
Oceanide 
Sources:
Moonstone Information - A frozen moonbeam trapped forever (gemselect.com)
Moonstone Symbolism and Legends - International Gem Society
Moonstone Meanings and Uses - Crystal Vaults
