A moonstone shows a silvery play of color when held up to the light that resembles
moonbeams moving over water. The Romans believed that an image of Diana, goddess
of the moon, was contained within this stone. They also thought that the light within
the stone was moonlight that had solidified.
The characteristic play of color in a moonstone is called schiller or adularescence, and
is caused by light interacting with the layers of albite and orthoclase feldspar within the
stone. The light is scattered in a way that produces a luster.
The typical moonstone is white, but other colors are found. The most prized are
rainbow moonstone and stones with a bluish cast. Moonstones are cut, almost
exclusively, as cabochons. Achieving the customary play of light requires careful and
skillful cutting, aligning the axes into the zenith of the stone.
Many spiritual properties are attributed to moonstone. It is thought to bring good
fortune, and to protect women and children. The most important attribute, according to
healers, is the balancing of male and female energies.
It is mined in India, Brazil, Germany, Mexico, Burma, and the US. In the United
States, moonstone is the official stone for the states of Florida and New York. It is an
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