When most people think of gemstones, images of blue sapphires, orange carnelians, and green emeralds likely come to mind. However, there are so many more gems out there than those three alone! And one lesser-known variety is the moonstone.
With its blue-and-white shimmering hue reminiscent of the moon’s often fickle glow in the night sky, this stone is perfect for anyone seeking a unique (and affordable) way to incorporate gemstones into their jewelry designs.
If you’re looking to purchase moonstone jewelry or any other type of gemstone, make sure to do your research. Not all gemstones are created equally, and the same goes for their value.
To find the best stones at the best prices, you’ll want to shop around and do some research. You can also learn how to determine the quality of any given stone by reading its inclusions.
Inclusions are naturally occurring flaws within a stone that give it its unique characteristics. Contrary to popular belief, moonstones are not stones; they’re a type of mineral called adularia, which is found in only a few places in the world. You can find adularia in the form of moonstones in Madagascar, India, or Norway.
As you can probably guess from the name, adularia is associated with the moon. The ancient Greeks believed that the beautiful patterning in these minerals was caused by moonlight shining through clouds. Moonstones are a type of feldspar gemstone that comes in a variety of colors and is often used in jewelry making.
They are known for their opalescent or rainbow-like sheen, which comes from the reflection of light off of microscopic inclusions. Since they are often dyed, moonstones are a better option for those who are sensitive to certain metals. Moonstones are a type of feldspar stone with inclusions that give it a sparkly appearance.
These inclusions are titanium flakes that reflect light, creating the illusion of a twinkling moon. The sparkly titanium in moonstones is what gives it its healing properties. Moonstones are a type of pale opal with a shimmery, multicolored sheen. They are mined from remote locations in India, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. The most desirable stones are those with a strong red or violet hue.
The unique properties of moonstones make them a popular choice for engagement rings, pendants, and earrings. They are also used in traditional Eastern medicines for a variety of health-related purposes.
With their stunning beauty and meaningful symbolism, these stones are an excellent option for both men and women. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about moonstones as well as important tips for incorporating them into your next design project. Let’s get started!
What Is a Moonstone?
In the simplest sense, Moonstone is a type of feldspar mineral. However, these stones come in many different colors and varieties other than just white. As a result, the International Gem Society refers to moonstones as “any translucent or opaque mineral that contains a blue or blue-green portion of pyroxene or its equivalent in other minerals”.
Due to the presence of pyroxene minerals in its makeup, the majority of moonstone gems display an opaque blue-green or blue-yellow hue. However, moonstones can also be found in other colors, including blue, orange, yellow, pink, and even purple! Due to the wide variety of colors, moonstones make for an excellent choice for jewelry designs.
Why Should You Use Moonstones in Your Jewelry?
Moonstones come in a wide variety of colors, making them excellent for use in jewelry designs. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to source.
As a result, you can use these stones to create colorful, eye-catching pieces with a high-end aesthetic. Moonstones also feature a wide range of undertones, giving you endless design options and color combinations.
Getting behind the aesthetics of moonstones and into the science behind their properties, you’ll find that these gems are also highly beneficial for health.
Namely, they are believed to offer the following positive effects: – Helping to relieve anxiety – Assisting with sleep – Regulating the menstrual cycle – Managing blood pressure – Promoting balance in the body and mind – Enhancing creativity – Promoting inner peace
How to Find and Buy Quality Moonstones
The first step in buying high-quality moonstones is to select the right source. It’s important to avoid large online retailers that overstock their products, particularly those that contain synthetic gems.
Instead, reach out to local gemstone sellers and specialty shops that can provide you with high-quality, genuine moonstones. – Try to visit the physical shop if you can, as this will allow you to examine the stones in person and select only the best. – Alternatively, take advantage of online ordering.
Just make sure to read the seller’s return policy and request high-quality stones that are free of defects. – Don’t forget to check the size of the stones, too! Moonstones come in a variety of sizes and shapes.
How to Make Moonstones Even More Sparkling
If you’ve ever worked with moonstones before, you’ve probably noticed their shimmering, glowing quality. However, you can make these stones even more sparkling by adding a few drops of solubilized Swarovski crystals to the glue that you’re using to set the stones.
The result will be a heavily blinged-out look that’s perfect for holidays and special occasions. Another way to make moonstones sparkle, even more, is by using specific settings that offer optimal light reflection.
For example, you can use a prong setting with a bezel that reflects light up through the stone. Alternatively, you can use a basket setting with a wire design that reflects light through the top of the stone.
Important Tips When Working with Moonstones
If you’re new to working with moonstones, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, make sure to use clean water and avoid chemical cleaners when working with these stones. Too much cleaning can damage them over time. Next, moonstones are often brittle and soft, so you’ll want to take extra care when setting them in jewelry pieces. Be sure to use extra-fine saw blades to cut them and a slow, steady hand when shaping the stone with a hammer.
Finally, be sure to store your moonstones in dark, cool places, like jewelry boxes and drawers. They do best when kept away from light, which can fade their color over time.
Final Words
One of the best things about gemstones is their ability to bridge the gap between seasons, and even between moods. The same moonstone ring can be worn to a blue-themed summer party, a birthday bash in winter, or even a bridal shower in spring.
Unlike diamonds, gemstones are often much less expensive and easier to find. This makes them a great choice for both new and experienced jewelry designers alike. While each gemstone has its own unique aesthetic, they all share one common trait: They are timeless.
