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What is Moonstone?
Moonstone is a feldspars named "adularia" or "Selenite" and is a silicate of potassium aluminum.
Like a diamond, when uncut, the moonstone can be dull in appearance .However it is when it is cut that all the light effects begin to shine through. Often a moonstone will be 'cabochon' cut with smooth round curvatures.

How does the colour change?
Inbound light rays are refracted inside the stone and distorted by the scales or layers inside the stone
Moonstone is quite fragile and is only 6 on the Mohs' scale. However a dulled Moonstone can be specially polished to enhance its mystical light.

Information on Moonstone Jewellery

Moonstone is a mineral of the feldspar family. This beautiful gemstone is composed of sodium and potassium aluminosilicate,(K,Na)AlSi3O8, that shows a silver and blue iridescence. Moonstones are mostly found in Sri Lanka and make an ideal gemstone for silver jewellery. moonstone

The majority of commercially available moonstone is found in Sri Lanka. It is also found in Brazil, America and Australia. Other feldspars in the moonstone family include labradorite and peristerite, which are also iridescent.

History of Moonstone

Moonstone has the property of "adularescence", which means it changes the hue and saturation of its bluish white colour when it is moved around. This phenomenon use to be associated with the phases of the waning moon. It produces shimmering pale blues and whites. These translucent colours make Moonstone an ideal gemstone for jewellery. It has been popular throughout history and was often used by the famous Art Nouveau jeweller Ren Lalique.moonstone ring



Magical and healing properties have often been associated with Moonstone.In India, it is often thought of as a sacred gemstone leading to sweet dreams. In the middle east women often wear Moonstone sewn into their dress as a symbol of fertility. Wearing a moonstone has often been associated with romance, love and fertility in western culture.

labradorite

The moonstone rings shown are currently sold in our Plymouth shops where we have a rich variety of shades and sizes. Also shown is a labradorite on silver ring, currently available from our silver jewellery shops. We have some fine examples of moonstone on our silver bracelets with gemstones.



The Values of Moonstone

When buying Moonstones the price. vary's by size and colour. Rainbow moonstone is considered to be top of the range. Generally larger and those with greater transparency are more expensive. The best and most valuable moonstone displays a three-dimensional depth of colour, which can be observed prominently when tilting and moving the stone.