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Moonstone

A species of Orthoclase, Also known as Star Moonstone, Feldspath Nacré, Chandrakanta

Moonstone consists of two feldspar minerals appearing in alternating layers. When light falls between these thin layers, it appears to billow across the gem. Ancient Romans thought it was formed from frozen moonlight. The best moonstone has a colorless body and a blue sheen. It is a birthstone for the month of June.

Semi-precious gemstone

Hardness:

6 - 6.5

Density:

2.55 - 2.58 g/cm³

General Info About Moonstone

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Physical Properties of Moonstone

Luster

Pearly, Vitreous

Diaphaneity

Transparent to translucent

Colors

Colorless, white, adularescent with a silvery or bluish sheen, green, brownish, reddish

Magnetism

Non-magnetic

Tenacity

Brittle

Cleavage

Perfect

Fracture

Conchoidal, Uneven

Streak

White

Crystal System

Monoclinic

Hardness

6 - 6.5 , Hard

Density

2.55 - 2.58 g/cm³, Normal Weight

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Chemical Properties of Moonstone

Chemical Classification

Silicates

Formula

KAlSi₃O₈

Elements listed

Al, K, O, Si

Optical Properties of Moonstone

Refractive Index

1.518-1.527

Birefringence

0.006-0.007

Pleochroism

None

Dispersion

0.012

Optical Character

Biaxial negative

Discover the Value of Moonstone

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Rarity

Uncommon

Collection Recommendation

4.4 out of 5

Popularity

4.2

Aesthetic

4.4

Rarity

4.1

Sci-Cultural Value

3.9

The Market Price of Moonstone

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Color, clarity, and weight are the decisive factors affecting the price of moonstone. At about 2.5 cm across, the price of a tumbled stone of average quality is usually $3-$8/piece. Top-quality moonstone should have an electric blue shimmer, and be transparent and flawless. When well-cut the price can reach hundreds of dollars per carat.

Rough/Tumbled Price

Smaller Than Hand (0-1.5in)

$2 - $10

Close Hand (1.5-3in)

$10 - $30

Equal To Hand (3-6in)

$30 - $60

Bigger Than Hand (>6in)

$60

How to Care for Moonstone?

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Durability

Nondurable

Scratch resistance

Poor

Toughness of Moonstone

Poor

Fair

Good

Excellent

The poor toughness of moonstone is attributed to its perfect cleavage and layered structure, making it prone to splitting and chipping upon impact.

Stability of Moonstone

Sensitive

Stable

Moonstone is considered stable for daily use due to its resistance to water, sunlight, and dry conditions. It requires caution with heat and strong chemicals but generally maintains its appearance well with regular wear and care.

More Care Tips of Moonstone

Real vs Fake Moonstone

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5 Ways to Tell if moonstone is Real

Fake Alert Level:

Special Caution

The majority of moonstone available in the market is actually white labradorite, also known as Rainbow Moonstone. The rarity of real moonstone makes it costly, prompting the widespread use of the more affordable labradorite. Moonstone is also imitated using materials such as Glass or plastic. It is wise to buy from reputable retailers and, if feasible, request a certificate from a gem testing laboratory. Here are some handy tips to help you initially discern the authenticity of moonstone.

More Details About Real vs Fake

Real

Fake

How to identify it?

Color Luster Transparency

Characteristics of Moonstone

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Cultural Significance of Moonstone

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Uses of Moonstone

Moonstone is often used as a decorative accent in jewelry. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings can all hold the light-colored stone. It’s also not uncommon to find the stone in spas and natural healing centers. Moonstone was a popular decorative item during the art Nouveau movement, but fell out of fashion until the 1960s.

The Meaning of Moonstone

As its name suggests, moonstone has been associated with the Moon and Lunar gods since ancient times. It was also associated with love and fertility. A very popular stone in India, it has been a common wedding gift for ages. According to legend, the Hindu god Ganesh had a moonstone embedded in his forehead. It's the birthstone of June.

Healing Properties of Moonstone

Moonstone is a calming stone that is said to relieve stress and provide emotional healing. Its positive energy force may inspire creativity and cognitive thinking. It is believed to attract happiness, abundance, and success in both professional and personal aspirations. Use on the Third Eye and Solar Plexus chakras to help stimulate dreams and psychic abilities.

Chakras

Sacral, Third Eye, Crown