Moonstone, Silver Meaning and Properties
Silver Moonstone History
Moonstone as a general gemstone has been revered for thousands of years by cultures all over the world. According to Hindu legend, moonstone was formed by moonbeams. Ancient Romans had a similar thought process, believing the stone to be created from drops of moonlight. Moonstone was viewed as a sacred stone in India and was thought to bring good fortune. Today, moonstone is the official birthstone for June and associated with the Zodiac sign Pisces. Moonstone is typically colorless, but can occur in a range of colors, including this variety with a distinct silvery sheen.
Explore the enchanting, soft shimmer of moonstones in this video. Discover their captivating hues and learn how to craft elegant moonstone dangle earrings that showcase their natural beauty. Perfect for adding a touch of magic to your jewelry creations!
What are the Metaphysical Properties of Silver Moonstone?
Moonstone was once called the traveler's stone because it was believed to protect traders and merchants from perils at sea. On our "journey" through life, silver moonstone gives a sense of calm, assured strength. Silver moonstone meaning is linked to lovers, since it was thought this gemstone could encourage passion. If a couple held moonstone, it was believed they could tell the future of their relationship.
Moonstone gemstones are believed to carry especially nurturing energies. Connected to the heart and sacral chakras, they help soothe emotional turmoil, inspire compassion, and support feminine energy—ideal for self-love, romance or personal renewal. Silver moonstone meaning is also linked to new beginnings, boosting intuition, and gently easing stress while fostering a sense of inner peace.
What is Silver Moonstone Made From?
Moonstone is a common variety of orthoclase feldspar, which is a potassium aluminum silicate. Moonstone, including silver moonstone, is loved for its distinct sheen that can be seen under specific lighting conditions. This sheen is called adularescence and is caused by thin alternating layers in the structural pattern of moonstone. Light is refracted and scattered upon entering the gemstone, which causes a unique play of light and color. This mysterious-looking shimmer makes moonstone look like it is glowing from within.
- Mineral Information: Potassium feldspar
- Chemical Composition: K(AlSi3O8)
- Color: Silvery grey
- Hardness: 6 to 6-1/2 (Mohs)
- Specific Gravity: 2.56 - 2.58
- Refractive Index: 1.520 - 1.525
How Do You Clean Silver Moonstone?
With its beautiful silvery sheen, moonstone appears to be somewhat delicate. Moonstone isn't known for its toughness, having an average Mohs hardness of just 6 to 6-1/2. For this reason, it's recommended to remove moonstone jewelry before participating in activities that cause perspiration or could result in scratches to the surface such as sports and gardening. To clean silver moonstone, it's best to use mild soap and water. Gently rinse, polish and dry silver moonstone with an untreated cloth. It's not a good idea to use steaming, ultrasonic machines or boiling techniques to clean moonstone. Remove moonstone jewelry before housecleaning with any type of harsh cleaners or chemicals. Store silver moonstone jewelry in a soft cloth or at least away from other jewelry pieces to prevent harder stones or metal settings from marring the surface of your stone.
Silver Moonstone FAQ
Q: How strong and centered is the adularescence?
A: Silver moonstone is known for its misty play of color, which often exhibits an kaleidoscope of colors similar to the schiller of labradorite.
Q: Is the body color of silver moonstone colorless and transparent or is it more opaque or translucent?
A: Silver moonstone is translucent, shimmering with silvery light.
Q: Are there any visible inclusions, such as "centipede" tension cracks or cloudiness in silver moonstone?
A: The “centipede” tension cracks that streak under the surface of moonstone are its most common inclusion. They are not particular to silver moonstone but occur in all moonstone colors and are a less preferred characteristic. Moonstone’s cloudiness is desirable, providing the misty, mysterious glow that makes moonstone so alluring
Designing with Silver Moonstone
Nothing says subtle sophistication like grey or silver. In silver moonstone, enjoy three tantalizing impressions simultaneously: silvery-grey translucent stone with a sheen that enhances a sense of sophistication. Try blending silver moonstone with black onyx, garnet and sterling silver for a necklace or bracelet that is both sophisticated and scintillating. This light-colored stone is a favorite to use alongside silver-colored metals, including antiqued varieties.
Shop for Silver Moonstone
**Please note that all metaphysical or healing properties listed are collected from various sources. This information is offered as a service and not meant to treat medical conditions. Fire Mountain Gems and Beads® does not guarantee the validity of any of these statements.
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