A June birthstone, Moonstone is an opaque or translucent tectosilicate of the feldspar family of minerals. It is composed of alkali (adularia alkali) that usually crystallizes at low temperatures due to hydrothermal activity. The best quality Moonstones are found in Sri Lanka, India and Tanzania. The use of Moonstone as jewelry ornaments date back to ancient civilizations. It was an important gem during the Roman civilization since the Romans believed that it was formed from the solidified rays of the moon. They believed they could recognize the waning phase of the moon in the stone. Both the Greeks and the Romans associated the gem with their lunar goddesses and gods. It was very popular during the Art Nouveau period of the early 20th century, where the gem was showcased in various jewelry and handcrafted silver item pieces. The 1960’s flower child movement associated Moonstone with outfits that desired ethereal looks. The 1990’s New Age movement designer drew inspiration from the gem’s natural beauty.
Since very early times, the Moonstone has been thought to have a tangible connection to the magic of the moon – a path to wisdom, a channel for prophecy, an amulet of protection for travelers and a gift of lovers for passion. The connection of humankind to the attributes of the moon is known to have been very strong. As the moon waxes and wanes, it creates the rhythms and tides of the earth, and believed to influence our emotions, behaviors and spirits. The Cat’s Eye or Blue Moonstone promotes clarity of the mind. It helps an individual to focus better while meditating. It particularly helps in balancing the yin-yang energies and in realizing life lessons and emotional patterns. The Gray Moonstone is useful to the shaman (one who acts as a medium between the spirit and the visible world) and the clairvoyant. It is also called the “new moon stone” and possesses the powers of the new moon, where everything exists as potential. The White Moonstone helps in stimulating dream work, psychic perception and vision. The Peach stone brings out the best in people and soothes the mind. The Rainbow stone eases emotional trauma and deflects negativity. It clears the senses and provides psychic protection. This Moonstone acts as a prism and disperses energy throughout the aura..